Wednesday, April 10, 2024

I had a childhood friend who lived across from the community church, where she was actively involved. It was in middle school when she participated in Bible competitions and became an inspiration to me. I admired her spiritual discipline and wanted to emulate her. Through her guidance, I was able to grow in my faith.

However, when we turned 13, I noticed a change in her behavior. Her actions no longer mirrored those of a devout Christian. Her parents divorced that year, and she drifted away from the local church.

Sadly, some who considered themselves Christians harshly judged her new behavior. Witnessing this incident opened my eyes to what an authentic Christian should be: loving. Love is exactly what that young girl needed during the turmoil and uncertainty in her life.

It is interesting to ponder about the choices that Jesus made while he was here on earth. We see he intentionally associated with individuals deemed controversial, such as the tax collector Matthew (Levi), whom he later chose as a disciple.

Luke 5:29-30
²⁹ Later, Levi held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. Many of Levi’s fellow tax collectors and other guests also ate with them. ³⁰ But the Pharisees and their teachers of religious law complained bitterly to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with such scum?”

The Pharisees couldn’t believe who Jesus associated with. Jesus’ actions were much different than their expectations of how religious people should behave. But, if you’ve watched the TV series The Chosen, Jesus’ character repeatedly says “Get used to different.” Jesus chose to do miracles on the Sabbath, something the Pharisees looked down on. He engaged with a Samaritan woman who had a controversial past, and most shockingly, he publicly criticized some of the Pharisees’ practices.

Jesus showed unconditional love to all people, regardless of their backgrounds or past mistakes. It’s a reminder that his relationship with us is not transactional. We do not have to earn his love.

1 John 4:8
But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

Jesus calls us to love unconditionally, as no one is without sin. All humans are imperfect. Rather than harshly judging people who don’t fit the expectations of what a Christian should look like, consider how you can be more like Jesus and share God’s love with them.

Questions:
Where in your life do you show God’s love to other people?

Have there been times in your life when you judged others without knowing their story?

How did Jesus show love to others?

Next Steps:
As you go about your day, look for those around you who seem broken. How can you show God’s love to them?

If you’re going through difficulties in your own life, consider joining a Group. God does not call us to go through challenges on our own. Groups can provide the loving support that you need.

Prayer:
Dear God, open my eyes to those who are struggling, especially to those who are being judged by society. Help me to remember that you love your children no matter who we are, what challenges we are going through, and what mistakes we have made in the past. Your love is unconditional. Help me to reflect your love in my words and interactions with others. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 6:14
Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

This post was written by Connie Disbro, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.