Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.”
NL Daily Devotion for Tuesday, March 15, 2022
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
Whew! That’s a relief. Because, I mean, seriously, how many of us is able to keep all Jesus’ words perfectly? I’ll speak for myself: nope! All effort to the contrary, I still find myself judging others, being self-serving rather than self-sacrificing, feeling entitled, or being impatient with people. These are characteristics that probably will never leave me entirely—I will always have to work to be aware of them when they crop up, and take action to either head them off at the pass or make amends when I fail to prevent them.
God’s grace is boundless. Regardless of anyone’s temptation to decide if another person is good enough for God, Jesus could not be any clearer: we are not judged for our failures. If that were the case, none of us would be saved. And Jesus came to save. All of us. Without exception. That’ll make me sleep easier tonight.
Do I ever find myself afraid of being judged by God for falling short?
