Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount have stepped all over me these past couple of weeks. Because I’ve been angry like He describes. And I’ve lusted after what’s not mine. The ugly within me.
Something in me wants Him to find me worthy. I like to think I could “earn” His love and acceptance based upon how I think and act — kinda Phariseeish. But His point is that we can’t measure up to God’s standard. Our hearts won’t behave when left to do it alone. We’re all desperate for His grace. Needy for His mercy.
And He gives it.
We will mess up again and again — probably before breakfast. Our hearts deceive and rebel. But He lavishes mercy. He forgives and cleanses as we confess. He remembers we’re dust and loves beyond reason. He died and rose to name us “righteous”.
What grace.
So let’s allow those places of daily heart rebellion to remind us of His continual grace. Let them remind us of our continual need. Then let’s move forward under His mercy, confident of His cleansing.
To those joining me, here’s our weekly verses.
29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.
Matthew 5:29-30
Just beautiful Lara! Beautiful.
You said, “Something in me wants Him to find me worthy. I like to think I could “earn” His love and acceptance based upon how I think and act — kinda Phariseeish.”
This is definitely how I feel sometimes. How can I forget so easily who God is and who I am not? I need his filling because I will NEVER be good enough on my own.
I know what you mean. But it’s true. We are all so desperate for His grace. You are precious, friend.