I grew up with a very loving biological father who made me feel so special and wanted. However, as a young girl growing up, I heard lots of stories of a fearful God who would throw into hell anyone that was sinful. This set the pace for me to be somehow scared of Him. I served Him out of fear than love, afraid I may incur His wrath, and hence be sent to hell.
As I spent time with God, reading my Bible, I was drawn to the depth of wisdom I got from God's Word. In those days my favourite books were the Psalms and Proverbs. All this while, I felt empty and in need of something, that I could not lay a finger on.
God the Father, loved me and saw my searching heart, so He drew me to Himself, and revealed His truth that for God so loved the world, that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life - John 3:16.
Jesus said : "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me - John 6:44-45
My perception of the Father has changed. Yes, He is to be feared because He is God Almighty, Holy and worthy of praise. But He is also love - 1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
God's love for all men is real. He loves us enough to have allowed Jesus' unbearable suffering for our salvation. He wishes that all men would repent so He would lavish on us the good things He has in store for us in His Kingdom.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
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