Friday, 9/7/18 – Tough Question

“How can a person get past a sense of unworthiness and receive all that Christ wants to give?”

I’m sure that on some level we have all felt this way. “For me!? Oh you shouldn’t have!” Some extravagant gift was given for which we feel unworthy and to us this graciousness seems wasteful or unnecessary. But despite your protests the deed is done and all you can do is express your humble gratitude.

But when it comes to the graciousness of God the stakes are raised to the nth degree! I a sinner and the free gift eternal life! Further transforming gifts of love, joy, peace, endurance, guidance, safety and courage… answers to prayers for provision, healing, direction in life!

The Truth is we are unworthy! And the more we realize this fact the more thankfulness and love our joyful hearts should generate.

Luke relates an episode in Jesus ministry where while dining in the home of a Pharisee, a sinful woman approaches with a jar of expensive perfume. Coming up behind Jesus she weeps her tears onto His feet, wipes them with her hair, kisses them, then pours on the perfume. All of this is her expression of thankfulness and worship. Jesus responds with a parable about two debtors then states this principle: “Whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” The more one realizes one’s unworthiness, the more one apprehends God’s Grace and the greater will be one’s gratitude. (Read the whole story: Luke 7:36-50)

God delights in bestowing His goodness on those who cannot repay! Remember the story of the man who gave a banquet but the invited guests refused to attend? He told his servant to go out to the streets and alleys and gather the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame. (See Luke 14:15-23) — and He tells us to do the same:

“…When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.” (Luke 14:12-14)

God doesn’t want repayment, He simply wants us to feel the joy as we express our gratitude back to Him and worship Him with our hearts, our words, our lives! Someone has stated: “Abundant life is God’s gift to you, what you do with it is your gift to Him!”

Do you feel unworthy? You are, but you are also in the best position to return to Him the greater praise and love!

Be thankful — and Press on…