It’s easy to exit church feeling burdened.

Generally, preachers mean well; God calls us to live an excellent life and sometimes in their enthusiasm to communicate that, it’s easy to only hear that you’re not good enough.

After all, God has done a, b, c and d for you and the least you could do is …(fill in the blanks).

When you’re on an emotional high, such sermons don’t get to you. You cheer on and never feel inadequate. When you’re getting everything right and life is a breeze, a preacher yelling at you to do more on a Sunday morning isn’t a really big deal.

When you’re barely holding on, that’s the kind of message that can send you over the edge and if that’s you. I’ve got a reality check.

God compares his love to that of a parent.

I’ve seen parents in action. They clean dirty diapers, scoop up thrown up food, launder dirty laundry and through it all, remain thrilled about their children.

And if you think parents only adore their children when they are little, you should look a bit closer.

Mothers go on their knees in prayer and forego food for their adult kids. Fathers spend their savings to bail their grown sons out. Parents endure abuse and being ignored and still love their children.

Why?

My guess?

The love of a parent is one of the few earthly scenarios that mirror the love of God. It’s unconditional and very often illogical.

Don’t get me wrong, parents want their kids to do well, be responsible and grow but there is a baseline love that remains non-negotiable.

God’s love is better.

Your efforts are great, but that’s not why He loves you.

Your failures may be greater but again, that’s not why He loves you either.

It’s good to know when you’re getting bashed by the “you need to do… to be good enough” sermon.

Yes God wants you to grow up, He wants you to be responsible and He wants you to be excellent but whether you’re two or forty two, God isn’t put off by dirty diapers or tumbles off the right road.

And in case the only parental examples you can think of are bad ones, you should know that when Jesus sais “if even you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your kids, how much more your father in heaven,” He’s referring to good parents.

And He’s better.

One day you’ll get back on track.

One day you’ll be up to running again but in case you’re not, it’s okay.

His love for you is not fickle.

And trust me, He’s a great Dad.