#Jesus - Daily DevotionalsSample

#BeAFriend (Chlöisu Burkhalter)

Very often, we have a specific idea of what a community and the people in it should look like. Intuitively, we prefer to surround ourselves with people who resemble us and have similar values and interests. We tend to choose friends who, in our perception, have succeeded, are especially cool, popular, humorous, or have strong characters.

Jesus had to fulfil the most important task in the history of the world. Thus it is even more surprising how he compiled his team. Jesus’ dream team included Peter who was known for being impudent and hot-headed. The sons of thunder, who I imagine could also have been called the “hit and go” troupe. Matthew who cheated on the people as a tax collector. Thomas who constantly doubted Jesus. Then a few other surprising figures follow in the list. And last but not least, Jesus chooses Judas Iscariot, an avaricious traitor, for his team.

I can image that Jesus’ team must have been quite strenuous. Jesus’ disciples did indeed dispute about unimportant things, fell asleep when Jesus asked them to pray, and in his most difficult time they denied him and left him alone.

In Jesus’ perspective, a good team is obviously not necessarily harmonic and built up of super-humans. In his perspective, a good team is one that is very diverse. A community, where people can bring in their strengths, but one where there is place for their weaknesses and imperfections. A fellowship in which each person supports the other and where you can be honest about not being able to handle everything.

We are all ultimately dependent on being supported, and it honors God when we accept each other with all our strengths and weaknesses.

Actionstep:

Are there any of your own weaknesses that you are trying to forgive? Where do you judge others for their imperfections? Ask God to reveal such situations and give you love and patience to deal with your own imperfections and those of the people in your surroundings.