The motive for the grace of God is nothing other than the love of God. It's His unquenchable affection that moves Him to continually arrest our flickering attention; warm our icy hearts; heal our self-inflected wounds; and wash away our sins. Grace isn't given to make us lovable or acceptable, but because we have been, are now, and always will be deeply loved. The prodigal was loved before he repented and came home-and even if he spurned the Father's marvelous forgiveness-for love is how the Father is. You cannot earn the Father's love. You cannot lose the Father's love. Depend on it. And stay in grace. -Bill Knott