Mutual Acceptance

"Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise"- Luke 23:43 (NIV).

What is the best thing anyone has ever said to you? Was it a declaration of love, proposal of marriage, the coming of a new baby? Maybe it was hearing you got the job of your dreams, the house you always wanted, or that your illness or disease was gone. The thief on the cross, crucified beside Jesus, can easily answer that question: "Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise." Actually, the answer for the thief is the same answer every believer can share. When we take our final breath we will be with Jesus in paradise. The two most powerful words are "with Jesus." The promise of eternal life, with Jesus, is overwhelmingly the best thing anyone could ever hope for, and it's ours, freely given. We only need to accept Him as our Lord and Savior. I'm sure if Jesus were asked what the best thing anyone could ever say to Him would be, "I accept You as my Lord and Savior." Speak it out loud right now and feel the peace and joy radiate through you. That's powerful. That's mutual acceptance.