Did You Mean Me?

Tonight, I walked away with a fresh conviction that I pray changes my faith and how I live it out forever:

We must start caring less about what others think of us and more about what others think of Christ.

More than anything else, I want my life to be spent pointing others towards the love of Jesus. I say that, and yet I know that I fail to live that out in the moments of each and every day. I want others to know the hope that I have. Still, I’m fully aware of the many times my speech is more negative than it is hopeful. But my desire remains: I want you to know the hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ. A hope that is not partial to those who are good. A hope that is not withheld from sinners. A hope, rather, that is offered to all that come.  I’m praying that this particular post reaches the masses. I’m praying that many who have never read a post on Neue Thing before read today’s post. For those of you who read Neue Thing regularly, would you be willing to repost this for your family and friends to see? I’m praying that many who are in need of hope hear this message today: Hope is found in Jesus Christ.

I’m choosing to use this moment as an opportunity to share with you God’s heart of love. Maybe you’ve doubted that this God of the Universe could love someone like you. Perhaps you can’t force yourself to believe that God’s love is aimed at your heart. Whatever has hindered you from embracing the love of God that He is now extending toward you, be encouraged that when He went to the cross, when He forgave sin, when He said “I love you”, He meant you.

Below are the beautiful words to a song written by Todd Agnew titled Did You Mean Me. I couldn’t help but think you might feel this very way. I know that I have. As you read the lyrics, I am praying for you that you will know today in full confidence that God meant you.

I’ve heard these stories all my life
Every Sunday morning
I met Jesus at the feltboard
I’ve heard these stories so many times
Of how and why You died
And how I can live

But You said all sins can be forgiven
But when You said that did You mean me?
Did You mean me?

You said that we could be more like You
But did you know what I’d do
How I’d fall so short?
And You said confession leads to healing
Do you see I’m here and kneeling
And I’m still not well

But You said that faith can move a mountain
But when You said that did You mean me?
Did You mean me
When You said we were made in Your image?
‘Cause I don’t see much of You in this reflection
Did you mean me
When you said we would do even greater things?
‘Cause I don’t see anything that I have to offer You
Did You mean me?

You said that You would never leave us
But when You said that
Did you mean me?
Please don’t leave me
Did you mean me?