If Jesus only wanted the wicked to change and become beneficial, then behaving honestly would win it.” And I feel that this is how we often act with the gospel and Jesus’ work of salvation—it is about sinners turning around, abandoning their sin, and thus changing their “no” to a “yes.” So why does he mention the second situation today, when “yes” ultimately becomes “no”? The answer is because he does not view the world in terms of “good” or “bad”! After all, He came so that everyone—good and evil (from our perspective)—”may have life and have it more abundantly.” He came so that we may have life. This is absolutely crucial because both good and evil individuals can choose to accept or reject life, close themselves off from hope, or become a person of hope.
One may do so for comfort, while the other may do so due to their sinfulness. There may be various reasons for this behavior, but the fact remains that resignation towards life and hope poses a danger for everyone. It’s not about how long we can be “sinless,” how strong we are, or how much good we can extract. It is about how often we have fallen into sin and neglected our resolutions. It is about never stopping, living, and desiring life. And we can and should do this—whether as “sinners” or as “righteous.” The Father has taken care of such issues for us through his Son, Jesus.
Come to the depths: How do I look at myself and the people around me—have I not put on “black and white” glasses of morality, through which I see very clearly “black and white,” good and bad people? When was the last time I glorified and praised God for His patience and generosity, for continually inviting me into the fullness of life, love, joy, and hope? Is it enough for me to be “good,” or do I want to live a life in the Spirit?
Tip for you: Today, I will not pass judgments—neither on myself nor on others.
Hello. And Bye.