I grew up in ignorance of the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus. I made many mistakes. Childish, selfish, and judgmental attitudes walked with me for many years.

I was born blind. My eyes were so crossed, only the whites were visible. I could see only light and darkness. Everything was a big blur to me. I had four operations before five years of age to correct my eyes so I could see.

I remember walking into walls and hurting myself. Kids in school would call me names, which made me very angry. I became a loner, with no friends. I started to fight back.

Someone would call me a name, and I’d bust him in the mouth. Most people just left me alone. I fought so much, my dad told me I would never amount to anything. I spent the rest of my life trying to prove him wrong.

I am very thankful this morning for this Bible in my lap. Romans 5 never fails to put a smile on my face. Christ has embraced me — even when I was blind to His love.

God commends His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. He died for me… and for you, too!