The idea of God loving us and wanting a relationship with us comes from the Old Testament. Despite the picture that is often portrayed of God being a megalomaniacal tyrant looking to stop people's good time, He is the definition of a loving father. A father won't let his kids get away with murder, but will always seek a means of them being restored to him again.

1. God is more interested in our hearts than our routines.

2. God isn't fooled by trying to “buy Him off” with good behavior.

3. God's goal is always our restoration to Him.