TODAY’S VERSE: JOHN 3:17 (NLT) God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.
REVELATION:
How do you handle correction in your life? Do you tend to be on the defense even when you are wrong? As I was reading today's verse the following came to my mind: As healthy as it is for us to be corrected most of us still don't accept correction. We tend to hide our weaknesses and our faults not because we don't want to overcome them, but because we don't like to be told that we are wrong. Well, may be I am just speaking for myself but if not, please read on.
From outside looking inside the true Christian lifestyle, most people tend to be pushed away by Jesus' teachings, because they see Him as a person who doesn't want you to have fun in life. It seems as all His teachings are something that you can never measure up to. I have heard it said "The closer you walk to Christ the more sins you see in your life." Speaking from experience I agree with that statement in addition I can also testify that it has been a good thing for me.
The text from today's verse are the very words of Jesus, letting us know that He wasn't sent here to the world to make us feel guilty and stop having fun, but He was sent to save us. As basic as the following might sound I need to say it so that you can fully understand my point. See, you will never know you are wrong if you were never shown or told what is right, and furthermore you will never seek to be saved from somewhere or something if you don't know if you are lost. Jesus came to the world to show us what is right and reveal to us our lost state, and He didn't stop there. He also came to save us.
I know you are saying, "Example please!" Well, here it is: Prior to giving my life to Christ, I knew and understood Jesus' teachings and I tried my best to follow those teachings, and I thought I was doing pretty good but as soon as I accepted Christ into my life, I started realizing how filthy my life was. There were things that I did that were wrong but were not in the Bible as things not to do. For, example there isn't a place in the Bible that says "No clubbing". Yet, Jesus was able to show me through convictions how many bad habits were births from my addiction to night life. Jesus wants a righteousness of the heart, not just external devotion.
As soon as I invited Him into my life, a lot of things that I used to do I had to stop doing. I had to stop watching certain TV shows, couldn't go to the movies to see certain movies. And it was not because of just following God's rules, but my desires were changed. To be honest at the beginning this experience was hard, because I felt like I was being condemned constantly. But with instant comfort and guidance for each conviction I continue to follow God's way. This was 2003, looking back where I was and where I am now; I give thanks to God for His mercy. He has truly transformed my life, my thoughts, my dreams, and my desires are evidence in itself that Jesus indeed came to save the world not to condemn it.
Dear Reader, I want to remind you, there is no one in this world that is perfect. We all make mistakes and we will always make mistakes. It is because of this nature that we often offend God. For each wrong way there is a right way, and I am thankful that God is patient with us and He loves us so much that He forgives us for each offense that we have done against Him. I am also thankful that He didn't stop only at forgiveness but He made Himself available to us through Jesus Christ to show us the right way and saved us. He has done all of this for us because He loves us. Jesus is exactly what we need to reach perfection. He has done all He had to do to reach you, now it is up to you to take on His offer. I encourage you to invite Him into your life if you have not done so. All you have to do is confess with your mouth that "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart
that God raised Him from the dead and you will be saved!
PRAYER:
My Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Love which is immeasurable. I thank You for bringing Jesus into my life to show me the way and save me. It is in Jesus' Precious name that I give thanks and praise to You. Amen.
APPLICATION:
It is important to understand that God loves you, therefore anything that He does or that He will do is for your own good. Don't view God's guidelines as condemnation but view them as comfort guidance to successful living.
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