May 17
A Redeeming
Love
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
—Romans 5:8 (NIrV)
Brian sat in the back row of the church, his hands trembling as he held the bulletin. It had been years since he’d set foot in a place like this. He didn’t feel like he belonged—not anymore.
He looked around at the congregation. They were singing a hymn about grace. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. Brian felt the words stirring something deep in his chest. He wasn’t sure why he had come today, only that he couldn’t ignore the pull any longer.
Brian had been in a same-sex relationship for the past few years. It wasn’t something he talked about much, even with his family. Deep down, he knew the path he was on felt misaligned with what he had once believed about God’s design and his purpose. But leaving it felt impossible. It meant more than just ending a relationship—it meant confronting his fears, his identity, and the longing to be loved and accepted.
The pastor’s sermon that day was on repentance and the love of God. “Repentance isn’t about shame,” the pastor said. “It’s about turning back to the One who made you, the One who loves you so deeply that He gave everything to bring you home.”
Brian felt tears welling up. He had always believed that turning back to God would mean rejection, but what if it meant something else entirely? What if it meant being fully known and fully loved, despite his past?
Later that evening, Brian knelt beside his bed, his heart heavy but hopeful. “God,” he prayed, “I don’t know where to start. I don’t know how to change. But I want to follow You. Show me the way.”
It wasn’t an instant transformation, but Brian began to take steps of faith. He sought counsel from a compassionate pastor and joined a small group where he could be honest about his struggles. Slowly, he felt a peace he hadn’t known in years.
The journey wasn’t easy, but Brian realized that God’s love was big enough to cover every fear, every failure, and every doubt. He found hope in the truth that repentance wasn’t about earning love but about responding to the love already given.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for loving us unconditionally, even when we feel unworthy.
Help us to turn back to You with open hearts, trusting that Your grace is greater than our struggles.
Give us the courage to walk in Your ways, even when it’s hard, and surround us with people who will encourage and guide us.
Thank You for never giving up on us and for always calling us back to You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
