Two Or Three
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20
INSIGHT
Do you ever read Scripture, and the more you read, the more confused you get? No? Maybe it’s just me.
Today’s verse follows a segment that is titled “Dealing with sin in the church.” I would imagine some people love this section while others cringe even seeing the words written out. The section AFTER today’s verse is about how many times you should forgive someone and show them mercy. So, deal with people’s sin and forgive, not seven, but seventy-seven times. Now, are you understanding my dilemma on which direction to step?
I think to process through the many parables in the New Testament; you have to understand Jesus’ heart and character. God is love; God and Jesus are one, so Jesus is love. Everything about Jesus spills from His relationship with His Father and the relationship He pursues with His people.
Jesus does call us to hold people accountable, but He calls us to do it through a grace-filled relationship that sees them as a person, not as a problem. Jesus does tell us to show mercy and continually forgive because compassion embodies who He is.
This month’s series has been all about togetherness and today’s verse emphasizes God’s desire to be in a relationship with us. When we talk to someone about something hard, He is there. When we are vulnerable and open up about something we’ve desperately tried to hide, He is there. When we listen to someone going through heartbreak and feel like we don’t have the words, He is there. When we mess up and ask our kids for forgiveness, He is there. When we nervously lead kids of the younger generation, He is there.
God isn’t telling us to go and then wishing us well; God is there always and longing to walk through life with us as we embrace others.
REFLECTION
Where do you need to be reminded that the presence of Jesus goes with you?
PRAYER
God, thank you for being there. Thank you for modeling what it means to love others, and thank You for walking with me. I pray for eyes to see others as You do and confidence to step into where You call me. Amen.
Katie Robinson, Treasure Island’s Curriculum Coordinator, wrote today’s devotional.
