The first thing that was destroyed when sin entered into the world was man’s relationship with God. Genesis 3 talks about the Great Fall -- “…I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so, I hid” (Genesis 3:10). Despite the disobedience in the Garden of Eden, God still loved Adam and Eve but did not hesitate to call out their sin. 

Like many of us, there are certain things in my past that I am not proud of. As a young adult, I repeatedly kept my parents on their toes. There were the days I did not turn in my schoolwork or showed little interest in my education. My circle of friends, the lies I told, and my dislike for church activities were not exactly the behavior of a “good” pastor’s child! But through all of these, my parents showed me the love I humanly did not deserve by forgiving me but still calling out my sin.

One of the hardest things in life is to show love to someone who is difficult. Romans 12:9 highlights the sincerity love must have: so sincere that it hates sin, so much so that it clings to what is good. As Christians, we have been called to love genuinely -- when things are difficult and when things are not. Love is comfortable with having sincere and honest conversations, whether they are politically correct or not.

Romans 12:9, ESV: "Let love be genuine. 

Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” 

Years ago, when serving God did not make sense and pursuing my career was more important to me than my faith, it took friends who could look me in the eye, see the beauty in my brokenness and call out my sin. Their commitment to see me return to faith was strong enough to overcome my weakness. As we navigate through life’s journey, we can love each other truthfully by holding on to what is good, serving God, calling out sin and being faithful in prayer. These are all the things Romans 12:9 tells us we can do today and always. 

If my earthly parents could look past my disobedience and still shower me with love, how much more our Heavenly Father who has promised us a love so great that it brings us His never ending mercy despite our shortcomings. Throughout this year, be reminded that regardless of what you have done, what your past has looked like or where you stand spiritually –- God’s love still looks beyond your flaws but He calls us to true repentance. By embracing the conviction of our sins, turning away from any sinful way of life, and returning to a way of life that honors God, we return to that unbroken relationship with God that he designed in the Garden of Eden. 

ABOUT OUR BLOGGER

Giftie Umo was born in Nigeria and began her career as a teacher after earning her Bachelor's degree in applied chemistry. This experience and growing up a pastor’s kid stirred her passion to make an impact on the lives of girls in her community. In 2018, she was selected to attend the Urban Promise International School of Entrepreneurial Leadership in the U.S. and received her M.A degree in organizational leadership from Eastern University. Giftie created and launched Girls Leading Africa, a nonprofit in Odukpani, Nigeria, to provide girls and teenage mothers, especially those who have experienced abuse, access to quality education and vocational and interpersonal skills. She is on the advisory boards of two organizations in Africa whose visions align with her passion and is a member of the Rotary Club of Wilmington. Due to Covid-19, she is currently pursuing further training and mentorship relevant to her program in the U.S. prior to returning home.

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IF:GATHERING 2021 — MARCH 5-6

God is on the move. Yes, things will fall apart, and yes, things will shut down, but our God cannot be stopped. And we don’t want to miss any part of that. His kingdom is coming. We want His will to be done on this earth as it is in heaven and our heart and prayer is that “on earth as it is in heaven” starts with us. And we would stop wondering if it is possible to change the world. It’s possible.

This year, at IF:Gathering 2021, we are going to talk about how we do that. The theme is going to be “Even If.” Even if the worst happens, we don’t lose hope. Come join us as we remember that together.

Click here for information on the speakers and the 3 ways you can participate this year:IF:Gathering 2021