The Kindness of God – Toni Babcock
“But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” (Romans 5:8 CSB).
For the person living under the weight of sin, guilt is the spike and condemnation is the hammer that nails him to a place he can’t recover from. Don’t expect him to. It is God’s work. It’s the reason Jesus died on the cross “while we were yet sinners”.
Jesus took the spikes intended for us. He suffered and died in our place. He understood we had no power to redeem ourselves and become righteous. It was not our blood, it was His own blood that would wash away our sins.
“How much more then, since we have now been declared righteous by his blood, will we be saved through him from wrath,” (Romans 5:9 CSB).
Who do you know that needs to feel forgiven? Perhaps you’ve been hurt by them and they never said they’re sorry. They’ve yet to find the moral courage.
When Jesus saw Zacchaeus sitting high in a Sycamore tree, he called him down. He said, “Today I must abide at your house,” (Luke 19:5 KJV).
He didn’t wait for Zacchaeus to climb down confessing his sins in order to gain the favor. Jesus didn’t expect him to do anything but believe He wanted to share time with him and be glad for it. Repentance came when Zacchaeus recognized God’s unconditional love.
This holiday season make someone glad who needs to feel forgiven. Show them God’s undeserved kindness. Invite them over for a visit, or like Jesus — visit their house instead. Then listen, pray, and see what God’s kindness will do through you.
Toni M. Babcock is author of Reflections from the Heart, in Light of the Gospel of Jesus. Contact | 
