Romans 5:20-21, New Living Translation

“God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

As a foreigner in this country, I have often been asked this question: “Is there anything you do not like in this country compared to where you came from? And does it make you miss home more?” When I am asked that question, I respond with this answer, “I believe that we always can find something we do not like about the place we are. But I prefer to focus on what I like instead of reminding myself about what I do not. I made my choice, may Lord’s will and not my own be done.”

This is the same as the attitude we should have about life. If you want to find something to make your life hard, fearful, weary, unpleasant, something to complain or speak negatively about, you can find tons of them everywhere. If you want to find fault and criticize the lives of others, you will have no challenge at all. How simple and effortless it is to point a finger at someone or blame them, rather than taking time to listen, to heed, and to see their perspective.

Am I making a mistake in assuming that those who follow Christ should desire to be like Him? Shouldn’t we desire to carry the image of Jesus? Is it possible for us to be like Jesus through our work and words alone without carrying His heart and the love He has for His people? What is the image you see when you look at Jesus? An angry God? A Lord who is holding a judge’s hammer or a stun gun like a police officer so that He can bring condemnation and punishment upon us? Or do you believe His Word when He said, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:17, NIV)

Do we desire to know His heart rather than using His law to spot the sins of others? Jesus said to the woman who had been caught in adultery, “…Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” (John 8:11, ESV) He did not compromise the truth for sin, nor did He overlook it or take it lightly. Instead, He paid the penalty for sin by giving His life so that justice could be done. Why? The Word says, “…where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” (Romans 5:21, KJB) Grace is Him, His forgiveness!

My dear brothers and sisters, not only draw closer to the heart of Jesus, but align yourself with Him also. “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, NIV) In Luke 18:9-14 He shared a parable about self-righteous people who exalt themselves and how they will be humbled by God. The Word of God helps us to see the plank in our own eyes rather for us to use it to magnify the speck of sawdust in the eyes of those around us. Recognize the broken heart and offer grace (Jesus) to them. He is the Way that can set them free from being a slave of sin.