The person who most influenced your life was most likely a person who knew how to affirm the good; a person who could see your potential. The person who only condemns us is not the one who can ultimately influence us to the better. Our Lord, who was God, said He had not come to condemn. Sinners felt loved in His presence. In Jesus’ day, the poor found no acceptance with the political and religious elite; they still don’t. The law-thumpers sent poor sinners shrinking away; then Jesus came! When they heard Him, He became their Way. They departed rejoicing in newfound hope, a new start; someone finally valued them.
Lord, heal us from our unloving words, our subtle self-righteousness, and our loving the law more than the gospel. May we love like Jesus loved, may we accept like He accepted, may we forgive like He forgave! Amen!
