Loving Father

How do you see God?

How do you see yourself?

These are two of the most important questions we can ever ask—because they’re more connected than we realize. Your view of God will inevitably shape your view of yourself.

Do you see yourself as a precious child of God—formed in the image of a loving, limitless Father? A Father whose very name is I Am, who exists beyond all limits, all labels, all boxes?

A Father whose essence is infinite love and light—woven into every part of your being?

Or have you come to see yourself another way?

Let’s pause together for a moment. Take a deep breath. Let this question rise gently to the surface of your heart:

Do I truly believe I am deeply, unconditionally loved by God?

The world, religion, trauma—even our own inner critic—often whisper otherwise. We’re told we have to earn love. That we have to behave, perform, strive.

But that’s not the voice of the Father.

I used to wrestle with this. I grew up surrounded by messages that made God feel distant—like a judge holding a clipboard, ready to catch every mistake. Religion painted Him as cold and demanding, not close and tender.

But that illusion of separation is the enemy’s oldest strategy—to make us forget who we are and how deeply we are loved.

Even in the days of Jesus, the Pharisees couldn’t accept that God would dwell with us. They were so fixated on rules and rituals, they missed the heart of God in the flesh—Jesus, who knelt to wash feet and looked "sinners" in the eye with compassion.

I’ve spent time in many corners of the Church—across denominations, styles, and theologies. And too often, I’ve heard fear shouted louder than love. "Behave or be punished" became a spiritual mantra.

It never reflected the Father I know.

The God I know is not angry and waiting to punish. He’s a Father who pulls His children from the river. Who meets us in our tears. Who gently removes the burdens we were never meant to carry.

He is love.

And that love doesn’t begin after death. It’s available right now—in your body, your breath, your being.

Our Bodies as the Garden of Eden echoes this truth: your body is sacred ground where God dwells. And in The River, I shared how even in moments of drowning, God met me with compassion, not condemnation.

You are not far from Him.

He’s not watching from a distance.

He’s walking beside you.

So today, I choose to walk hand in hand with the Father—not as someone trying to earn love, but as a son who knows he’s already held by it.

Let Him wash away what no longer belongs. Let His love shape your identity. Let your body, mind, and spirit rest in the truth:

You are deeply known. Fully seen. Completely loved.

And you always have been.

Abundant blessings to you today and always,

Nicholas Branch