Home > Reading > The Daily Lectionary – May 23, 2016

1john3-23

Proverbs 3:11-20; 1 John 3:18–4:6; Matthew 11:1–6

God is greater than the human heart. Our feelings can weigh us down to the point that we despair of life. But when we know the truth, we are set free (John 8:32) from this heart disease. The law condemns but Christ absolves those of faith. Even when we are disciplined by God, we know any correction is only because our Father loves us, yet has not condemned us. So we live with confidence before God because we have kept his commandments.

Already you complain, “But I have not kept his commandments.” Jesus declares that you have, if you have kept the greatest commandment: to believe in the name of Jesus Christ and love one another (compare Matt 22:37–40 and 1 John 3:23). Christ has fulfilled the law for those who believe in him. There is no other who can do this for you—not a politician, not a parent, nor a spouse, and certainly not you. You need not “look for another,” but even when you question, as John did when he despaired of life, remember that, “he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

Prayer: Lord, increase my faith. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Mark Ryman, Communications Coordinator for the NALC. 

Original image