Romans 5:8 says, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

I love that word while. Not after we cleaned ourselves up. Not once we got our act together. Not when we promised to do better. While we were still broken, still wandering, still missing the mark—God loved us first.

That kind of love changes the way you breathe. It takes the weight off your shoulders. It tells you that grace didn’t wait for your approval or performance. Grace showed up early. Grace knocked on the door before you even knew you needed it.

Some of us live like God loves the future version of us more than the one sitting here right now. But Romans 5:8 says He loved you at your worst, not just at your best.

So today, stop striving. Stop hiding. Let your heart rest in this truth: you are already loved, already pursued, already valued—right where you are.

And when love like that settles in, it doesn’t just forgive you.

It transforms you.

Take a deep breath, friend.

Grace has already met you on the porch.