Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners —of whom I am the worst.
1 Timothy 1:15 (NIV)
Lord Jesus, as I close this work week, my soul is reminded of this glorious truth: You came to save sinners. Period. And as I look at not just my past life, but even this week, I truly believe I have topped the list. How I have treated folks, what I have set my affections on, what I have pursued – I wish I could say it was all noble, You-centered, and not me focused. It was not. How I have treated folks, how I have responded to them not in love, how I have disrespected them. Yes, there were times when I showed up like You would have me to. But more often than not, I fell short. Maybe not transgressing the world’s standards. But that is not the standard whereby I want or desire to live by. I want to please You. And I fell short. Forgive me.
I thank You this morning for the reminder that there is nothing that I can do to separate me from Your love (Romans 8:35-39). I thank You that You came to save sinners – not saints – folks “tore up from the floor up” like me, wiping the slate clean and continually standing us up when we have fallen, and setting us back on the right path when we have strayed. Lord, I embrace Your love, and appreciate Your amazing grace!
As I go into this weekend I pray for more of that same grace. I pray for the ability to correct my wrongs, see the error of my ways and to correct my paths way before I allow my brokenness to take control. I pray for a heart and mind refreshed by Your Spirit, and the ability today, in each moment, to follow after You, asking myself, “What would Jesus do?” Help me to love unconditionally, give generously, and sacrifice selflessly. In short, help me to live, give and pour out my life like You did, reflecting Your commitment to the way in my ways to Your glory. Amen.