Experiencing Jesus Together Through LentSample

Day 23:
Scripture:
“And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32

A Call To: Repentance
A few years ago God, in his kindness, showed me areas of my life where I was valuing religion over relationship with Him and others. I was trying to do things in my own strength not living from peace, but for peace. Anxiety and striving were good friends of mine and their presence was a constant in my life. I was more concerned about making sure I followed all of the rules and that others did too. I valued rules over getting to know the heart of God or people. I know that I hurt people close to me because I thought I was doing the right thing. Fear was my motivator rather than love.

In that moment I repented for operating from a religious heart versus from a place of love. This was a blind spot in my life. Sin disconnects us to the heart of God. In his mercy and grace His conviction leads us back in his arms of loving kindness. He is quick to forgive us when we repent and turn away from our old ways. He is always calling us higher! When we are connected to the heart of God it’s easy to follow God’s commandments because we are in relationship with him. We want to honor him with our words, thoughts and actions.

There is no sin in your life that is too big for Jesus not to forgive. The enemy would love to keep you in shame, but Jesus came to give you abundant life! God sees us through the lens of love, you can trust him with your heart. Lay the lies, the secret sins, the areas of your life that you keep doing in your own strength at the foot of the cross. Repent and ask our perfect Father to forgive you. Walk in the freedom and grace the cross provides for you !

Reflection:
Do you put rules above relationship with Jesus? Are you more concerned with checking your “Christian Checklist” than getting to know the heart of God? Do you love the idea of God or have you truly gotten to know God?
 

Praise + Prayer:
Thank You, Father, for Jesus. I thank You that you always had a redemptive plan. I ask that You would forgive me of (list an area of your life that you need to repent of). I lay these sins at the foot of the cross, they are not mine to pick up again. I ask for Your grace and healing to cover those areas of my life. I thank You for Your forgiveness and unconditional love.