Judas' kiss

Have you ever really considered it?  Some commentaries believe Judas was chosen, that he was a hero of sorts, that he aided in God's plan, Hollywood exemplifies this character.  Others believe that Judas was never truly a believer, and although he returned the money he was paid for his betrayal.  He never truly accepted Christ in his heart or repented fully for his wrongs.  I often wondered if he was forgiven.   I came across this passage.
Before Jesus died, he made a prediction about Judas.
Matt 26:24 :The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” 
That doesn't sound good.
Anyone can feel bad and regret a choice.  That’s not exactly the same as trusting Christ.  So what I take from this is...The cross was necessary because of our sin.  The betrayal was key to that story.  We all betray God, we are human, we make daily mistakes.  The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ opened a door to salvation for every sinner.  BUT, there is a password.  Acceptance.  To be washed clean we must accept Him, welcome Him, love Him.  In this He will love us despite of us.  Despite of our lies, mistakes, awkwardness.  Despite of our hesitation and denials.  If we truly love Him and confess our sins, we can experience the grace and mercy of salvation.  He wants us all.  No one is too far, too gone, too wrong to be covered by his grace.  Even Judas had a chance. 

The song below sparked my inquiry.  It took my breath away considering how God must feel each time we deny and betray Him.  I know how it feels when my own children disrespect me.  And oh how much more does He love me than I love them!  To be loved in spite of me.  Reminds me to love others that way.  And be watchful of my heart, my words and my actions.  He loved Judas despite his actions, but did Judas truly love Him back?  The choice is there for each of us. 

I hope you will listen to the song from the link below.

Sidewalk Prophets: You Love Me Anyway

The question was raised
As my conscience fell
A silly, little lie
It didn't mean much
But it lingers still
In the corners of my mind

Still you call me to walk
On the edge of this world
To spread my dreams and fly
But the future's so far
My heart is so frail
I think I'd rather stay inside

But You love me anyway
It's like nothing in life that I've ever known
Yes, You love me anyway
Oh Lord, how You love me
How You love me

It took more than my strength
To simply be still
To seek but never find
All the reasons we change
The reasons I doubt
And why do loved ones have to die?

But You love me anyway

It's like nothing in life that I've ever known
Yes, You love me anyway
Oh Lord, how You love me

I am the thorn in Your crown
But You love me anyway
I am the sweat from Your brow
But You love me anyway
I am the nail in Your wrist
But You love me anyway
I am Judas' kissBut You love me anywaySee now, I am the man who yelled out from the crowd
For Your blood to be spilled on this earth shaking ground
Yes then, I turned away with this smile on my face
With this sin in my heart tried to bury Your grace
And then alone in the night, I still called out for You
So ashamed of my life, my life, my life

But You love me anyway

It's like nothing in life that I've ever known

Yes, You love me anyway

Oh Lord, how You love me