Bible Reading: Mark 1:1-20
Special Verse: Mark 1:11
"And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
Many people believe that God is only pleased with them when they get everything right—when they dot every "i" and cross every "t." This mindset creates a relentless treadmill of trying to earn His approval. However, salvation is not based on works. Before we did anything good or bad, Jesus had already died for our sins. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
Looking at the life of Jesus, we see that God affirmed Him long before He performed any miracles or went to the cross. This reminds us of an important truth: God's love for us is not based on our performance. However, while He loves us unconditionally, He does not approve of sin. Let that truth sink in—God is not ashamed to be called your Father, but He desires holiness in your life.
This is beautifully illustrated in the Garden of Eden. After Adam and Eve sinned, God still came looking for them. Instead of abandoning them, He sacrificed an innocent animal to clothe them. Similarly, after Cain killed his brother Abel, God put a protective mark on him so that no one would harm him. These acts reveal God’s deep, unchanging love—even in the face of human failure.
The key to living a life that pleases God is first understanding that you are unconditionally loved. When you fully grasp the depth of His love, it will ignite a profound gratitude within you—one that compels you to walk in obedience and total submission to His will.