Day 16 – September 16
I had the chance to hear Matt Fradd (aka Mr. Pints with Aquinas) do an in-person talk tonight; so that was cool.
But that’s not what I want to talk about actually. Because there are 2 things which spoke to me from today’s readings.
First: 1 Timothy 4: 12-16. Read it like a bullet point list of advice and you walk away with this:
- Set an example for those who believe. Do it in your speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
- Do not neglect the gifts you have
- Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them, so that your progress can be evident to everyone
- Attend to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in both tasks
Second: Luke 7: 36-50. The sinful woman washes Jesus’ feet with her tears and her hair.
The sinful woman was easily overlooked by others because they just categorized her as “sinful” and cast her as unworthy of anything. Yet it is she who bathes Jesus’ feet (with her tears), wipes His feet (with her hair), kissed His feet, and anointed His head with oil — things the others overlooked doing to+for Jesus.
The sinful woman, if listening to society, may have seen herself as unworthy to even be near Jesus. But it is she who recognizes her need for Jesus and, even though sinful, sought him out. She didn’t let others keep her away from Jesus. She learned Jesus was there and she went to Him.
She let love win over shame. She went to the source of love to show love and Jesus gave her love in return.
She was bold and active. She played an active part in seeking the forgiveness she was granted. God wants to forgive us our sins, but we have to go to Him. God wants to love us, but we have to love Him and let Him love us.
A relationship with God is not a passive one. We must actively choose God in all things.
Give God Your Yes 