God is not after your sins. He doesn't count your sins against you. The Bible tells us, "...God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them..." (2 Corinthians 5:19). When Peter recognized his sinfulness, the Bible says he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "...Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord" (Luke 5:8). But Jesus responded with love, saying, "...Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men" (Luke 5:10). He didn't push Peter away because of his sins—He called him unto a greater purpose. It's not just Peter. What about Paul? He persecuted the Church, yet God didn't hold his past against him. Instead, He made him an apostle of grace. This is the heart of God—He is not after your sins, but you. God is after you.
When Paul narrated the encounter, he explained that the voice spoke in Hebrew, saying, "...Saul, Saul, why persecuteeth thou me?". And he said, "...Who art thou, Lord?". The Lord replied, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest..." (Act 9:4-5). Then Jesus commanded, "BUT ARISE..." (Act 26:16 AMPC). Do you understand what Paul had been doing? He had been imprisoning and killing members of the Church. But Jesus didn't come to condemn him. Instead, Jesus said to him, "but arise". This shows how quickly Jesus forgot his past. When Jesus said "but," everything he had said before didn't count anymore. "But" has the power to erase the past. Imagine this: Jesus could have condemned Paul for his actions. He could have mocked him, saying, "Where is your power now? Where is your muscle?" But Jesus didn't do that. Instead, He quickly forgave Paul. He said, "You've been persecuting me, 'but arise, stand upon your feet. I have appeared unto you for this purpose—to make you a minister'" (Act 26:15-16 SBA). Notice how Jesus didn't wait for a 'perfect' moment before calling Paul into ministry. He didn't count Paul's sins against him, instead, He forgave and elevated him. The very moment you meet Jesus, your sins are forgiven, your past is forgotten, and He makes you a new person, ready to carry His message to others.
What about the Samaritan woman at the Well? She had five husbands, but when Jesus spoke to her, her life was transformed on the spot. She went back to the city and brought the whole city to Christ. She reached the world, showing us that once we are forgiven, our lives take on new meaning and purpose. Jesus doesn't want us to live just as followers; He has a greater purpose for us. You were not sent to blend in with the world; you were sent to be the light of the world. Jesus loves you the way you are, accept Him today and live for Him.