WHEN LOVE IS NEAR BUT THE HEART IS FAR: HOW WE HINDER OURSELVES FROM GOD’S LOVE By Otun Stephen Gbenga | Philosopher & Theologian Image Generated with Meta AI   God’s love is one of the most comforting truths in Scripture. It is vast, unchanging, and eternal. The psalmist declares, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Paul proclaims that nothing can separate us from that love. Yet, as comforting as this truth is, many believers still find themselves living as though God’s love is distant, blocked, or withheld. This raises an honest and necessary question: If God loves us so deeply, are there ways we can hinder ourselves from enjoying that love? The answer is yes —not because God withdraws His love, but because we sometimes step out of alignment with the light He freely shines on us . The sun does not stop shining simply because someone hides in the shadows. In the same way, God’s love remains constant, but our choices can cloud our hearts from receiving its warmth. In th...

  The God Who Restores: The Story of Manasseh and the Mercy That Finds Us Again By Otun Stephen Gbenga | Philosopher & Theologian There are stories in Scripture that comfort us, and there are stories that confront us. The life of King Manasseh does both. It is not just a tale of wickedness and repentance; it is a reminder that no human being—no matter how ruined by choices—sits outside the reach of God’s mercy. Many people quietly believe that grace is for those who “didn’t mess up too much.” They believe forgiveness is for those who wandered a little, not for those who fell flat. But the story of Manasseh pushes hard against that idea. It is the uncomfortable, almost unbelievable story of a man who did everything wrong… yet still found his way back. A King Who Crossed Every Line Manasseh wasn’t merely “a bad king.” Scripture paints him as one of the darkest rulers in Judah’s history. He: Practiced sorcery and witchcraft Built altars for idols inside the temple Led a...