Unconditional Acceptance

Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” John 4:39

Have you ever done something you wouldn’t want to be made public knowledge? Is there something in your past that you believe disappointed God greatly?

In today’s Scripture, we read of a woman who had done some things she no doubt wasn’t proud to have on her track record. She was amazed that Jesus would even talk with her, because in her day respectable men didn’t talk to such women. She was even more amazed when Jesus pointed out that she had been married five times and that the man she was living with was not her husband.

Jesus amazed this woman for two reasons. First, he knew all of this about her even though he had never met her before. Second, he was neither condoning nor judging her past. She knew he was calling her to a new life of excellence and that he was doing it with acceptance and encouragement.

After her meeting with Jesus, this woman went into town and told everyone she knew about this man who had known all about her. As a result, many realized that they needed the same kind of acceptance she had received from Jesus. Everyone who understood that God would bring excellence without judgment believed in Jesus that day.

Do you want that kind of acceptance and grace? Then tell Jesus about the things you’ve done that you are afraid have disappointed him. Once you have experienced his unconditional acceptance, tell someone else how he has worked in your life.

Jesus, lead me to excellence as you convince me of your grace.