Ken Williams, co-founder of Changed Movement, said, “You’ll never experience unconditional love until you first share your condition.”

Here is what that means to me:

When we are honest with God about our sin and grief, our felt experience of his unconditional love deepens. When we share our pain with others, we invite their healing embrace. 

For much of my life, I’ve viewed my condition as either a good guy who occasionally does bad things or a broken man who deserves to be punished. Both compel me to hide. And both stress me out. 

And I miss out. 

Here’s the truth: I have a heart that is sick with sin. The more I acknowledge the depth of my sin, the greater my appreciation for God’s love for me as his adopted son. I allow myself to feel the depth of my sin because I want to feel greater depths of his love and peace. 

I don’t want to convince myself that my heart is just a little sick with sin. I’ll share honestly that I’ve objectified men and used them for my selfish gratification, lashed out in anger, told myself I’m worthless, lied straight-faced, and judged others for doing the same. 

But I can speak to God the words Chris Tomlin beautifully penned: “You see the depths of my heart and you love me the same.” 

And I can listen for His response:

“Jason, I have examined your heart and know everything about you. I discern your thoughts from afar. I am acquainted with all your ways. Trust me, there is nowhere you can go to hide from my love. Come to me in your weariness and I will provide rest for your soul.”

That is what my heart longs to hear.

Is there a greater depth of God’s love you’d like to feel? Confess sin you’ve been holding back to him. Would you like to invite the embrace of others? Take a redemptive risk and share your true condition with them.