Throughout the book of Malachi we have been reading about one insult against God after another. For some people this disrespect was deep in their hearts. But for others the disrespect came out of a distance from God that they didn't really want. This latter group finally became convicted of their sins and turned back to God. And in an amazing display of grace, God accepted them back.

Then God went a step further. He not only accepted those who turned back to him; he showed them the mercy a good father shows to his children.

God's treatment of the forgiven as treasured children is shown completely when, with his own Son, Jesus, on the cross, the Father accepts the perfect sacrifice of his one Son to cover the sins of all his adopted children. Truly our Father in heaven loves and values us far more than we can ask or imagine!

If you are feeling far from God, or if you know or suspect that you have been disrespectful to him, ask for his forgiveness. Ask him to bring you close, that you may know his grace and mercy in powerful ways.

If you have never known his love, ask God to overcome your heart with his mercy and grace today.