If we measure our goodness against the sins of others, it’s easy to pass judgment. But if we measure ourselves against the holiness of God, we’re not the judges we imagined ourselves to be. We’re the accused! When a sinful woman was brought to Jesus, He refused to condemn her, because her sentence would be paid in full on the cross. Since we’ve all been shown that same mercy, shouldn’t we be just as quick to extend it to others? Only the one without sin has the right to throw stones, and none of us qualify.
When God Loves the People We Don’t
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You probably have a mental picture of what God’s blessings should look like, and who should receive them. The first century Jews were convinced that they would be the exclusive recipients of God’s grace when the Messiah arrived, and that their enemies would be excluded. But Jesus shattered their assumptions by announcing that God’s favor would flow outside their borders to the very people they despised. Upon hearing this, they were filled with rage and tried to kill Him! This ancient scene holds up a mirror to our own hearts: we readily accept God’s mercy for ourselves, yet quietly keep a list of those we consider unworthy. His love exceeds our man-made boundaries, and it always will. So, is there anyone you’re still overlooking?
