How can seeing the world as Jesus does allow me to be transformed?
This weekend, we hear the story of the man born blind. Back then, the popular belief was that diseases were cause by the sin of the person. With modern science and medical research, we now know otherwise. However, our blindness in sin unfortunately remains as strong now as those antiquated beliefs from back then.
How can we break free from all that binds us from the past? Jesus was all about releasing people from their past, their sinful behaviors and their stereotypes including the woman caught in the act of adultery, the tax payers he dined with, Lazarus, the woman at the well…to name a few.
There are moments in our lives when we react to everyday situations through our narcissism to get what we want. The world revolves around us and we fail to recognize the bigger picture that requires us to get out of and over ourselves to consider the others in our lives.
Jesus forgave sinners, encouraged them and did not hold grudges against them. He was always ready to forgive. Jesus even asked his Father to forgive those who crucified him while he was dying on the cross.
Who are you holding a grudge against? What past hurts do you need to release? Who do you need to forgive?
Jesus spoke gentle love to the adulteress, dined with tax collectors and reached out to touch and heal lepers.
Who are our people on our fringes today? Other drivers on the road? People in stores? Neighbors? Co-workers? Our spouse? Parents? Children?
Just as small unchecked sins can lead to larger ones creeping into our lives, so can small habits of kindness and compassion lead to greater transformation.
When we let go of our grudges, forgiveness, past hurts and disappointments, we free ourselves to let God’s work (and love) show forth in us.Jesus always erred on the side of compassion, so shouldn’t we?
