HE CALLS THE IMPERFECT
Brenda Lineberger
Today’s Scripture: “As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he rose and followed him.” Matthew 9:9, ESV
Theme: We should not judge and decide who needs to meet Jesus, but like Him, include outsiders.
SEEKING THE SINNER
Jesus was anything but predictable. You might think He would search for the faithful, obedient, and sinless to carry His Gospel and His New Covenant into the world. But there were no perfect people—not then and not now. Instead, He called the unlikely, the imperfect, even the disliked and overlooked, to spread the Good News. He didn’t make things easy for Matthew or for any of the others He chose. And He still calls the unlikely and imperfect today—and that includes you and me.
A HARD BUT HOLY PATH
Studying for this devotion was humbling and also took me down memory lane. Jesus saved me out of deep brokenness and sin. When I received Him, the change was so real and so powerful that I thought, “Okay—He lives in my heart now. He’ll guide me, and life will get easier.” I had turned from the sin I knew was wrong, so I expected a smoother road ahead. But when I stepped onto that narrow path that leads to life, it wasn’t smooth at all. It was narrow, yes—but also uneven, surprising, and at times difficult. I didn’t understand what I understand now: the path to spiritual maturity has always been challenging, ever since humanity was removed from the perfection of Eden. But it is also the path where Jesus walks with us.
LEARNING TO WALK WELL
Over time, I learned this: we belong to Jesus, and God has given us everything we need for the journey—His Word, His Spirit who gives us understanding, and strength and wisdom to help us navigate the obstacles the enemy throws at us. Those obstacles often look like pride, self-centeredness, gossip, or judgment. We are sinners: saved, but still sinners, and we can stumble over these things so easily. Sometimes we even convince ourselves we’re “helping God” by pointing out the sins we see in others. But when we judge harshly, we not only sin ourselves—we risk causing someone else to stumble, run, or hide from Christ. Sin multiplies quickly, especially the sins we excuse in our own lives.
THE SHOES JESUS GIVES
Jesus—proven in Scripture to be loving, compassionate, pure, and perfect in every way—did not judge from the cross. He was too busy loving, forgiving, and fulfilling His Father’s mission. He has given us His Spirit—and the fruit of the Spirit in our lives is evidence of His life in us. These fruits help us stay steady and keep us from tripping over pride or judgment: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control. These are the “shoes” that help us walk the path well.
Make It Personal: Are you willing to be intentional about displaying the fruit of the Spirit this week? Go to Galatians 5:22-23 and write these verses out. Carry them with you this week. Memorize them. Use them. Recall them when you feel tempted to judge, speak harshly, or look down on anyone. Pride blurs our vision. But the fruit of the Spirit keeps our hearts clear and humble.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for loving us, forgiving us, and helping us when we stumble. Thank You for being our Light and for giving us what we need to walk this path faithfully. Help us welcome everyone You place in our lives with compassion—at church, at work, in the store, or anywhere we go. Remind us that we never know when we may entertain angels. Holy Spirit, nudge us to remember this truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Galatians 5:22–23, Philippians 4:8, Psalm 119:133–135
Weekly Memory Verse: “But when he heard it, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘”desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’” Matthew 9:12-13, ESV