The Story Doesn't End There...

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

Lately it feels like giving has lost its oomph. Giving has turned into something we only do on special occasions such as birthdays or holidays. Even then we can feel burdened to pick out a gift that's just right for the recipient. Jesus, on the other hand, gave us a precious and perfect gift: salvation.

Today is Good Friday, the day that Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross and died for our sins. Two years ago, when I experienced my first Good Friday as a Christian I did not understand how Jesus could have died for my sins before I was even born yet. A good friend took the time to explain to me that Jesus lived a life that was free from sin. He came to the world for us, became human for us, loved the unlovable, healed the sick, and died so we can be saved.

That day Jesus took all of our sins on His shoulders and died for us. Through His love, strength, and power He overcame sin. He gave us the ultimate gift, that anyone who believes in Him will have eternal life. I feel so blessed every time I think about Jesus' powerful, unconditional, and everlasting love for me. This is what made me know that Jesus died for me, so I want to live my life for Him. I want to spend every day serving Him and sharing His love and His message. The best part about this story is that it doesn't end there. Jesus didn't just die for us; He came back to life for us! Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice, for giving me hope, and for giving me a new way of life that is not ruled by sin.

- Nicole