Why do most people fear getting close to God? People know God’s word, and they respect God, but they don’t KNOW GOD intimately or personally.

So what is God really like? What do we know about Him that reveals his personality? Well, for starters, He says He likes Children! So let’s think, what kind of person likes Children? Someone who is always angry? Always in a bad mood? Someone who likes to enforce lots of harsh rules and penalties? Someone who gets really mad if you waste time playing around? Someone quick to punish you?

OF COURSE NOT!

That kind of person can’t stand being around children. The kind of person who likes to be around children is gentle, a little silly because they like to laugh, and someone who feels very calm, at peace, and isn’t insecure. Why do I say these things? Because when you spend time with children, you’re going to spend your time playing silly games, not being serious. You are going to be hearing jokes and telling stories. You know how vulnerable children are, they aren’t perfect, but you don’t care about that, you like them anyway. They make mistakes and you’re fine with that because they’re just KIDS! You see them as innocent and lovable, maybe a little mischievous, maybe a little naughty sometimes, but YOU LOVE BEING WITH THEM because they make you smile.

Why do people think God is always trying to kill everybody? He’s not. Really, He’s busy trying to love everybody.

I think it’s just because most people know God from his acts of discipline against sinners in the Old Testament, from his acts of judgment against the ungodly and against those who are rebellious. They make great stories but does that really describe you? Are you a sinner? Do you see yourself as ungodly and someone God is out to punish? If it’s true, then all you need to do is repent and accept the free gift of salvation made possible by Jesus’ crucifixion and follow Him, and you are no longer under God’s wrath but an object of his love and compassion. You have become his RIGHTEOUSNESS, you are no longer a sinner but someone who stands in his grace!

Now if you know you are saved because you made Jesus your savior already but you think He’s out to punish you, then you don’t know God very well. You are saved, but you now need to know who saved you in a more personal way, know WHY he saved you, and know why He sent Jesus to DIE INSTEAD OF YOU. Why go through so much trouble if He hates you? He don’t! He loves you like you love your kids, only more. He loves you like you love a little kid you meet in an orphanage, your heart beats, your breathing quickens, your tears swell up, you want more than anything to wrap your arms around that little girl and say "I love you!" How much more God loves YOU!

And if you think God’s can’t laugh, then you should consider something you already know. God made you in His image, right? Can you appreciate beauty? So can God. Do some things make you happy? Same with God. Can you laugh with Children who act silly?