by Lieutenant Ben Cotterill, Salvation Army

I AM going to be controversial in this week’s Christian Viewpoint.

It is probable that the majority of you will disagree with me.

I know many of the people I meet through my work for the Salvation Army disagree with me on this point.

I hope you feel adequately warned as a reader.

What is more is many of you will think what I am about to say is true, just not true about you. It is probably these people who need to hear this more than anyone.

Are you ready? Here goes.

You, yes you, are a fine pearl. You are exquisite. You have tremendous value. So much so that Jesus explains in Matthew 13:45-46 that God is like merchant looking for fine pearls.

When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

God sees all of us as pearls and in the story of Easter may you know how much he would give to buy you. Remember, you are a pearl! Yes, even you! Can you agree with that?