Devotional for today, October 8. Jesus demonstrates God’s attitude to humanity throughout his whole life. True love is impossible without God.
Devotional for Today, October 8
But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ (Luke 18:13)
Jesus seeks people out where they are, not just because he was kind, but because it is God’s will. Jesus finds them in the circumstances of life where they are now. Therefore, he does not only communicate with the socially recognized, respectable, and holy people but also goes to the margins of society. He shows God’s love to tax collectors, prostitutes, criminals, gangsters, etc. To every human being.
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He does not only witness God’s love with beautiful words. He invites the tax collector Levi among his disciples, who have been publicly acknowledged as a sinner because he served the occupiers.
Jesus made his motive clear: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” (Matthew 9:12)
Jesus’ parables of the Pharisee and the tax collector praying in the temple (Luke 18:10-14), of the lost sheep and the lost coin (Luke 15), illustrate very vividly that every person is precious to God.
It is difficult for us to understand this position of God. It is even more difficult to realize it in our own lives. It is difficult for us to understand how love can be unconditional. To us, wounded by pride, it seems to be a sign of weakness and lack of understanding.
That is why true love is impossible without God. Without God, love becomes an ideology in which man tries to play God. For this reason, many of man’s beautiful wishes and declarations do not bring happiness but pain.
Loving your neighbor with true divine love is only possible when you love God with all your heart.
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, You are Love. You do not look at the outside. Whether I live in a slum or a castle, whether I am known or forgotten by all, You love me no less. You accept me when I make mistakes and stumble. Instead, you lift me, your helpless child, with your loving arms. Glory and thanks be to You for Your love, my loving Heavenly Father. Amen.
