Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. – Matthew 5:11
It’s amazing to me, this many years later, what can come out of a daily devotion. In early 2016, around the same time we had hard launched our radio ministry, ONE JAM NATION Radio, I subscribed to Greg Laurie’s Harvest Ministries. It was on my heart to follow, learning more about the heart of other ministries.
Every morning, I would receive a daily devotion from Greg Laurie, and the one he wrote for Saturday, April 30, 2016, was so very relevant to me. That day, I had written on the same topic. It was a powerful confirmation of what, I believe, God was also trying to show me.
Jesus, The Friend of Sinners
Greg Laurie shared, “How was Jesus known when He walked this earth? He was known as ‘the friend of sinners’. We might think that sounds like a compliment now, but it wasn’t meant as a compliment then.
Some members of the Jewish leadership establishment were appalled that Jesus would hang out with sinners. No, He never compromised—this was our Holy God in the flesh. But He loved these outcasts, this off-scouring of society, and they knew that He loved them. They were drawn by that love just like moths are drawn to a lantern…”
As Greg’s daily devotion encourages us to do, we need to love people in the same way. Since we’re going to be persecuted, let’s be persecuted for the right reasons… Not for being self-righteous, but for being righteous.
Being Human
Being human in nature, and in living by our flesh, we do tend to judge people based on this status quo. We measure their importance by how many “likes” or “follows” they may have, or maybe their position in life: doctor, lawyer, etc.
Do we consider, often enough, just helping someone for the sake of helping? Or what about loving someone for the sake of loving? And have we considered what our daily devotion may look like to God?
We are all in a different place in our walk with the Lord. Are we willing to be that help to someone, in their time of need? Are we willing to be that friend, when no one else will?
Peace within the Body
Peace within the body, truly, does require a peace within its many working parts. When we’re able to see past our own differences, focusing instead on what the Word of God has to say, understanding what He has revealed to us in our time of daily devotion, then, and only then, will we be able to help make this happen.
No matter what barriers the world may try to produce, we must all remember that we are created in His likeness – He puts us together, utilizing our gifts, our talents, and in a very special way. Being among others who do not always see eye to eye, can be a challenge; but, it should not hinder us from loving them, just the same.
Jesus is indeed the friend of sinners, and as we lead our lives as faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, we can help draw souls more near to Him.
And yes, just like a moth to the flame.
