This verse makes it sound as if God’s greatest desire is bringing each one of us into a right relationship with himself. Come to think about it, that has been the case ever since Adam and Eve sinned. It is why Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. 

John Newton, the former slave ship captain turned gospel minister said, “Although my memory’s fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.” The truth of this statement is expressed more fully in Newton’s hymn Amazing Grace. 

This is a text to commit to memory. Let it impress itself into your heart and your mind so deeply that when all other memories fade, this one remains.