WWJD
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21, ESV
Theme: Jesus walked the line perfectly, saving anyone while neither condoning sin nor condemning people, He gave His life as a ransom.
REFLECTING ON GOD’S LOVE
This series on judgement has challenged me with some serious self-reflection. I’ve had to face the embarrassing realization that, instead of with broad sweeping strokes, I have minimally and selectively applied the “WWJD” movement in my daily life. The kindness, generosity and even forgiveness I try to demonstrate is, all too often, conditional. I give, hoping for repayment. I love, expecting reciprocation. I offer respect when it’s deserved or earned. I forgive, anticipating remorse and changed behavior. While my acts of love are often contingent, thank God, Jesus’ love was unconditional!
The grace that Jesus showed during His ministry was beyond measure. At the core of His teaching was a love so profound and life-altering, it seemed almost unbelievable…impossible. Pharisees were insulted by Jesus' claims of having the authority to save. The social order was disrupted by His association with unclean and unworthy sinners. His love was never dependent upon the ability to earn it or the need to offset bad behavior with good deeds. It did not require a certain birthright, social status, or entry fee. His was the only perfection ever possible or ever required.
FOLLOWING PERFECTION
The Gospel tells us that Jesus lived the perfect life we never could, and He laid down that life as a ransom for ours. This isn’t an abstract concept: it’s a deeply personal act of love. Jesus paid the price for sin that we couldn’t afford, offering Himself in our place. While I gave several examples of how my worldly-self places conditions on others, even those I love, Jesus approached every interaction with gentleness. A tax collector, a disciple, or a stranger, Jesus never condemned them outright. He didn’t push them to change; He invited them to follow Him.
Make It Personal: That same gentle invitation is extended to each of us. In our brokenness, questions, doubts, and failures, Jesus doesn’t meet us with condemnation. He meets us wherever we are and invites us to walk with Him. His arms are wide open, no matter who or where we’ve been. Surrender to His presence and find a love that transforms from the inside out. Only then, can we truly begin to live like Jesus did.
Pray: God, thank You for Your grace, mercy and unconditional love. I am so grateful You meet me where I am, without judgment. Allow me to extend the same gentleness for others that You’ve so graciously given to me. Forgive my ego and desire for control. I want to fully surrender to You so that I may know the fullness of who You are transforming me to be. I pray that, as my faith grows, so too will my ability to be thoughtful, empathetic and forgiving toward others. Amen.
Reading: Matthew 6:14; Ephesians 1:7-8; Romans 12:10
Weekly Memory Verse: “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.” John17:15, ESV