Today was a pretty cool day. I made it through my 7th time reading through the Bible. God always shows me a little something new each time. Here’s what I know after finishing up this pass.

1. God genuinely, sincerely, authentically, unquestionably, and profoundly loves all of us. It’s pretty amazing, right? Check out Romans 5:8 to see what I’m talking about.

2. Forgiveness becomes a whole lot easier when we realize the other person is made in the image of God, just like we are. It’s like we’re looking at God. Settle in and contemplate what God means in Genesis 1:27.

3. The humbling experience of failing, messing up, or just completely blowing it give us tangible reasons to extend mercy + grace to other people. This is hands down my favorite revelation of all time. When Peter is just about to deny Christ, Jesus leans over and says “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Luke 22:32 There’s purpose in our failures and Jesus isn’t shaking His head at us. Read more about His love here.

4. Nothing else in this world can show us the state of our heart like the word of God. Take a peek at Hebrews 4:12 to see why.

5. None of us can fix ourselves. We need Jesus. Galatians 3:24 reminds us that the law was never established to see if we could actually do it; it was written to clearly show us our need for a Savior.

6. There’s nothing else more important in this world than loving people. Don’t take my word for it, check out what Jesus has to say in Mark 12:29-31.

7. When we show love to one another, it’s as if we’re directly showing love to God. Jesus says it clearly in Matthew 25:40.

   If there’s one thing I don’t regret in my life, it’s starting to read the word of God. And I’m certain you’ll feel the same way friend. Just pick it up and read a little or read a lot. Bit by bit gets you there.