~ Unconditional Love ~

[Lani]

Luke 5:27-32
27 And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.
28 And he left all, rose up, and followed him.
29 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.
30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?
31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.


Jesus said, "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Luke 5:32 (NIV)


At times we all need a friend, someone who cares about us and our struggles. In fact, we do have someone to talk with who will not judge us but will unconditionally accept and love us. Scripture says that Jesus sat down with the tax gatherers and sinners who came to him. They felt comfortable coming and listening to him, perhaps because they knew he offered compassion and healing. As Jesus was both cleansing and making people whole, the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble. They complained that Jesus was receiving sinners and eating with them.

This is amazing! The pure, holy, spotless lamb of God not only listened to impure, unrighteous sinners like me but also touched them and ate with them.

We do not have to be discouraged by those around us today who are quick to judge and keep a record of our faults. Instead we can encourage ourselves and others with the truth that Christ is always ready with open arms to receive us and make us whole.



Prayer:Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you accept us with unconditional love. Thank you for cleansing us and making us whole. Amen

Prayer Focus of Day:To be a Better Friend

Thought for the Day: Jesus came for sinners like you and me

Story shared by: M. Smith (SC)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional 7/11/11