Joel Osteen Devotional September 27 2021 – Love Someone Who Is Messy

John 8:7, ESV

Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.

In John 8, the religious leaders brought a woman to Jesus who had been caught in the act of adultery. The law was clear. She was guilty. But when you’re tempted to be judgmental of someone who has fallen, Jesus teaches us to ask ourselves, “Have I ever done wrong? Am I qualified to throw the first stone?” None of us are. Jesus refused to condemn her, but rather said, “Now go and sin no more.” Grace shows up in the most unusual places. Grace for someone who’s committed adultery, grace for the friend who’s off course.

Don’t be in the condemning business. Be in the loving business, the healing business. Be for people, for restoration, for second chances, for mercy. Be known as someone who sees the best in people, believes in them, and pushes them toward their destiny. Be someone who is willing to help messy people. They may be lying on the ground now, but you can be the one to help them receive grace and stand back up.

Father, thank You for loving me at all times, for pouring out Your grace upon me and never giving up on me when I’ve failed. I want to love the people You have placed in my life like You do. Help me to be a restorer, a healer, full of grace and mercy to lift the fallen. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.