My Darkest MomentSample

What are you most ashamed of? We've all made terrible choices at times. Perhaps you regret lying to a friend, cheating to win, or even stealing. No matter what we have done, Jesus offers forgiveness, love, and eternal friendship. Telling your story can make this amazing truth real for all who believe that their sin is beyond forgiveness.

Jesus even befriended a tax collector named Zacchaeus. He had grown very wealthy by extorting money from his fellow Jews on behalf of the Roman government and was considered a traitor to the faith. But Jesus invited himself to dinner at Zacchaeus’ house—the ultimate sign of friendship and brotherhood!

When Jesus welcomed him, Zacchaeus repented immediately, promising to give half his wealth to the poor and return all he’d stolen! He abandoned the dishonest life of greed and darkness and came into the light of generosity and truth.

Jesus’ demonstration of audacious love for Zacchaeus went beyond kindness. It was an intentional statement of God’s heart toward sinners, whom the religious people considered disqualified from God’s love. Jesus publicly abolished the lie that says sinful people cannot come to God. Zacchaeus was a known sinner, and God came to him!

Jesus even said, “... this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” There is no sin too dark to override the brightness of Jesus’ transformative light. He knew this radical act would cause controversy and that word would spread of Jesus’ indiscriminate, boundary-breaking love.

He accepts all those who will come. Rich or poor, religious or not, He wants to be with us, feast with us, and share our joys and sorrows.

Was anyone watching when God washed away your most awful sin? Not everyone’s transformation is public like Zacchaeus’, but it’s not too late… you can make your story a testimony of God’s love. Shout it from the rooftops for all to hear! Someone in your life needs to know… no matter their past, they’re not too far gone to receive Jesus’ friendship.

There is no darkness God’s light won’t banish, no sin that will keep Him from loving. Is there someone in your life you’ve been avoiding sharing Jesus with? Maybe you’ve even judged them as too sinful to be worth the effort. God’s love will not give up on this person. Pause with us and let God convict your heart, reminding you that His love is for everyone.

Lord, would you help me to see people through your eyes of love? Show me where I have fallen short of compassion.

Be with me today, Lord, as You teach me how to love. Amen.