Verses:
Mark 2:15-17 says “While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Romans 5:8 says “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
1 Corinthians 10:31-33 says “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God-even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.”
Devo:
Several months ago I got a message shaming me for having a photo with wine in it in my Instastories. “You should be ashamed to call yourself a Christian”, it said, “when you’re promoting sinful stuff like that”.
At first I felt my heart sink right to the bottom of my chest-it never feels good to have our actions questioned or condemned. But then I got to thinking more about what this person was saying. Yes, we are told that we aren’t to be stumbling blocks for others. Yes, we are called to set a good example.
But also…didn’t Jesus loved sinners more than anyone else?
There’s a very unfortunate stereotype that Christians are the most judgmental and unforgiving group of people out there, and sometimes that seems like it’s true. But…it shouldn’t be like that, should it?
We are called to LOVE others. Not to judge. Not to write attacking messages. Not to feel superior. Not to try to have a picture perfect life while sweeping our trials under the rug. Not to pretend to be one way on social media and live our real life another. How many more people would be led to Christ if we acted as Jesus did-humble, forgiving, and accepting-instead of aloof and judgy?
I will be the first to admit that I am flawed. I am SO flawed and SO imperfect, and yet I am SO loved! You guys, ABSOUTELY we should be living lives that we are proud of and that bring honor to Christ. But we should also be meeting people where they’re at, loving the unlovable, and making mistakes-then coming right back to the cross.
Even though I share devotionals and verses here I hope that you also recognize I’m also a normal person. I stumble, and sin, and drink wine and let cuss words slip out. I am nowhere near perfect but I am loved by the One who is. My number one goal of this little a+g community is to be a relatable place where everyone is welcomed and loved and finds comfort in the trials we face as blue family. And if you’re still here…I know that’s your heart, too 🙂
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for loving me, flaws and all. I am far from perfect but still You love me and accept me. Please forgive my sins and shortcomings. Help me become more and more like Your image each day. Lord, tonight I pray that You use me to reach Your people. Help me to be patient, and kind, and forgiving, and nonjudgmental. Help me see people as You see them.
