Real Hope: God's LovePrøve

## JUST AS I AM You’ve probably heard someone say, "You need to accept me as I am." Usually we say it when we’re trying to justify some lousy behavior. Yes, I’m angry, selfish, and thoughtless, but you need to love me anyway. And it’s true. We’re called to love others unconditionally and to follow the example of Jesus, who loves us just as we are! BUT, at the same time, God loves us too much to leave us just as we are. He works to change us from within – to deal with our anger, kill off our selfishness, and grow us in grace and kindness. And as followers of Jesus, we’re called to do the same. Growth happens best in an atmosphere of love. That means one of our main roles as spouses and friends is to love others into wholeness. Love accepts, but it also challenges. Love forgives, but it also calls for growth. Let’s love others as Christ has loved us, accepting them first and then loving them into the fullness of who they’re created to be. ##### written by TANIA HARRIS