Over and over again, the Scriptures reveal God as one who “longs to be gracious” to us, as a God who truly loves the world. He is one who seeks, who pleads with his insane, straying people: “Come now, let us reason together” (Isa. 1:18a).

At Adam’s great Fall into sin, we read, “But the Lord God called to the man, Where are you?” (Gen 1:9). And when John lays down his quill, ending God’s inspired revelation to the world, it is with these words:

“The Spirit and the bride say, Come! And let him who hears say, Come! Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take of the free gift of the water of life.” (Rev 22:17). Read these expressions of His great heart and be moved by His patient love for you and all the world.

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend your money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.” (Isa. 55:1-2).

“This is what the Lord says: What fault did your fathers find in me, that they have strayed far from me? They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves.” (Jer. 2:5). “Say to them, As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?” (Eze. 33:11).

As God, this yearning heart filled Jesus. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:28-30). He cried, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Lk 13:34)

How should we respond to such a God? He patiently leads us all to repentance (Rom. 2:4) with words like, “How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?” (Ps. 4:2). What shall we do? PRAY for grace and TURN from sin. We must respond. Faith like a mustard seed will produce an amazing harvest in you. He has always been willing. Are you?