Jesus, I Want to Love You Part 1Sample

GENUINE RIGHTEOUSNESS

The Word of God is such a high standard. Who can keep it? The Bible teaches us that apart from Jesus we cannot keep His Word perfectly (John 15:4-5). But we can be comforted. He has given us the grace to live according to His standard. Remember, He looks at the heart. He is focusing on the intent of your heart. The Beatitudes tell us that we must be poor in spirit—to willingly acknowledge and confess our inability—but not to stop there. We have to look to Him to cleanse us from unrighteousness and to provide His power and grace to make us adequate. We are so prone to hypocrisy if we do not face our sinfulness and inadequacy.

Hypocrisy is doing things for the eyes of men to see or forming a righteousness of our own by cleaning ourselves up on the outside and ignoring the inside. Ask the Lord to prick your conscience if necessary. We want to live the real deal. People are so desperately looking for someone to be the real deal, particularly when so much of the world around them is built on superficiality, facades, and lies. The people in your life need to know that you love them right where they are with all their frailties, sins, and bad habits. They need to see Jesus.

Take time today to share your concerns and struggles with the Lord. You could write it as a letter if you would like. Let Him know where you feel overwhelmed, apathetic, or concerned. Lay it all at His feet. Let Him know if you think that He is asking too much. Talk openly with Him about the areas in your life that you know are not what they should be. But remember, He is your friend, your number one advocate, your defense, and your strong right hand. Be ready, open, and vulnerable. Be real. Really real. Depend on Jesus to be your protector and your defense. Ask the Lord to grow you in righteousness and to give you the grace to be genuine with Him and with others. Take time to pray the same for your family.