The Bible frequently tells us that it’s wrong to show favouritism toward the wicked. The problem is that no one thinks that’s what they’re doing. There are a lot of ways that people justify their biases. Maybe they tell themselves that the “innocent” wouldn’t be in trouble if they weren’t guilty. Proverb 18:5 says ,”it’s not good to be partial to the wicked (Proverbs 18:5), Why, because in doing so we deprive the innocent of justice.
There are so many innocents in our world they live in cultures where wickedness is normalised. If we want to be impartial judges, we need to reflect on our natural preferences. That’s where we discover whether we’re genuinely fair.
Someone has wisely said that God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts! The Gospel truth is that genuine repentance means much more than changing one’s mind or feeling sorry for one’s sins or telling God we are on His side again. Fruit-bearing is the sign of true repentance. The evidence of repentance is to be found in the fruit that is brought forth from our lives. Repentance is a positive action — something that enhances our life and the lives of others.
Time and again, and in many different ways, as mentioned yesterday, Jesus said, “You will recognise by their fruits the persons whose faith and trust in God’s ways brings them into His Kingdom.” You will know them, He said, by the difference this faith and trust has made in the way they live. And because their faith and trust in God has made a difference in the way they live, they are blest, they are happy.
Lord, I come before you today with a humble heart, acknowledging my need for your guidance and wisdom. Help me to cultivate a right attitude, one that is characterised by gratitude, humility, and a willingness to see things from your perspective. May my thoughts and actions reflect your love and grace, and may I always seek to please you in all that I do. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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