...Isn't that the point?

Mark 15:33-41

I like knowing what the likely outcome of a situation will be, what I can expect. When I can predict how something will turn out, I feel secure in the choices I'm making.

It is easy to live as if likely outcomes are facts. It feels good; at least, it feels safe. I caught myself saying the other day, "I'm a really good judge of character!" It was during my prayer time later that day that it occurred to me: judging someone's character is not a virtue. What good does it do any of us in the end to judge anyone's character but our own? Because someone uses a certain tone in conversation, or dresses a certain way, I can make assumptions about who they are? I'm glad Jesus didn't do that!

Thankfully, God loves unconditionally, and is therefore the best judge of character of all. God doesn't place limits on us. He doesn't say, "I'll love you unless you do this; I can't forgive you if you do that." His love and light reach us unexpectedly, by surprise and delight, and are not reserved for only the "good" among us. Who decides who they are, anyway, besides God?

Like the centurion in Mark, this overwhelming Love can touch those of us whom you would least expect. We would do well not to underestimate our fellows!

A few years ago, an elderly member of my home church was talking to a friend who lived in our same small town, but was a member of a different congregation. The friend said, "Oh you attend [that] church! You guys take anybody!" To which the elderly member of our church replied, "Well, yeah...isn't that the point?"

Prayer for the day: Dear God, thank you that no one is beyond the reach of your love.

Thought for the day: God's love has no limits.

Add some "Glee" to your week!