But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8
Who qualifies for God’s love and forgiveness? Is He only interested in good people who mess up slightly?
When Sun-woo was twelve, he stole food for his younger brother. He knew it was wrong, but they hadn’t eaten for two days. When he was caught, the punishment was harsh—and public. Years later, Sun-woo still felt the shame. “Maybe I’m just a bad person,” he thought.
But the Bible tells a different story.
It says, “Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23). That means all—rich or poor, young or old—have done wrong. But God didn’t turn away. He came closer. He sent Jesus, who didn’t come as a soldier or ruler. He came as a servant, walking dusty roads, eating with outcasts, touching the sick, loving the shamed. Then He did something no one expected: He took our punishment on Himself. Jesus took the public penalty for our every mistake.
Sun-woo heard this for the first time in a whispered conversation at work. The man speaking had a scrap of paper in his pocket with these words of the Bible: “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8). Suddenly, Sun-woo didn’t feel condemned. He felt healed, loved and given a new beginning.
Maybe you’ve done things you regret—you think it’s too late. But Jesus came for people exactly like you and me. You don’t need to fix yourself before you come. You just need to come. Jesus is the one who saves—and He is waiting.
Who does God love and forgive? All who will come.
