The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

In Awe of God

Paula K. Graves

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June 20, 2026

When the crowd observed Jesus heal the paralytic, they were in awe of God. Mark 2: 12 And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We’ve never seen anything like this before!” [1]

How would you react after seeing a miracle or experiencing one yourself? The religious teachers questioned and debated about Jesus’ identity. In contrast, the crowd recognized God’s power working through Jesus. This resulted in praise and worship.

Praising God

Have you taken time to praise the Lord for what He has done in your life? We soon forget all the blessings the Lord has given us and move on to the next part of our lives. Throughout the Bible, we see people forgetting about God’s blessings.

If you struggle with taking time out to praise the Lord, you are not alone. The good news is you don’t have to remain that way. Psalm 103:1 Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. 2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. [2]

When we begin to praise the Lord for what He is doing in our lives, we begin to look up. Praise recognizes the work He is doing or has done. Something happens when we look up. We take the focus off ourselves and now focus on the Lord.

Looking down on life is associated with depression, self-centeredness, and going our own way. When we look up to the Lord, we think of being uplifted, thankful, appreciative, grateful, and joyful. Isn’t it amazing what happens when we praise the Lord?

Praising the Lord When it is Difficult

Have you ever prayed for God to change a situation? I certainly have. What if we praised God while we waited for our answer? The Bible tells us there is power in praising the Lord. Praising God even when things are not going well gives little room for the enemy to attack us. Praise the Lord today because Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross.

Even when you don’t feel like praising God, or don’t think you have the energy, praise Him!

Psalm 9:1 I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.[3] When we remember all the Lord has done for us as we praise Him, it leaves us in awe of God. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/made-whole-by-forgiveness

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

The Authority to Forgive

Paula K. Graves

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June 19, 2026

The Jewish leadership began questioning Jesus after He forgave a paralyzed man. He went on to show them that He had the authority to forgive. Mark 2: 8 Jesus knew immediately what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? 9 Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk’? 10 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, 11 “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” [1]

Proofs of Authority

Jesus demonstrated His divine nature by knowing what they were thinking. They didn’t even have time to give voice to the questions in their minds. Jesus, because He is God, could answer immediately.

Jesus also used a messianic name for Himself, Son of Man. These well-versed teachers of the law knew what Daniel had said about the Messiah. Daniel 7: 13 As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed. [2]

Thirdly, Jesus backed up His words with a miracle. Forgiveness can’t be seen, but a miracle can. The healing miracle vindicated Jesus’ claims to have the authority to forgive.

Forgiveness is Powerful

Forgiveness goes down to hidden emotional wounds to heal them. It is significant that Jesus first declared forgiveness to the paralytic before healing him. We don’t know the reason for this man’s paralysis. Was it due to some sin? Perhaps, there was guilt that could keep this man in a different kind of paralysis. Only Jesus knows.

Forgiveness is powerful, but also costly. When this story took place, Jesus had just begun His ministry and would eventually go to the cross. There, He shed His blood to pay the price for our sins. We receive the gift of forgiveness by faith. Unfortunately, many think forgiveness is impossible. That is not true. Jesus paid the price and can restore the damage sin has caused.

As followers of Jesus, we are to find ways to bring healing and forgiveness to others. Jesus teaches that forgiving others is essential for receiving forgiveness. Mark 11: 25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.[3]

Paul gives insight into forgiveness as a way of life. Ephesians 4: 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. [4]

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/made-whole-by-forgiveness

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

A Resistant Mindset

Paula K. Graves

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June 18, 2026

The teachers of the religious law had a resistant mindset. They had come to check out this popular new teacher. There were stories of healing and fresh teaching from a previously unknown rabbi. Jesus was beginning His ministry and was very popular with the common people. He had returned to His home base of Capernaum and had just forgiven a paralyzed man’s sins.

Mark 2: 6 But some of the teachers of religious law who were sitting there thought to themselves, 7 “What is he saying? This is blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!”[1] These leaders were correct. In His own way, Jesus was revealing His identity as God. But their hard hearts and closed minds kept them from understanding this.

A Renewed Mind

What if the teachers of the religious law had come to Jesus with open minds and hearts? How would their actions be different? When we come to know Jesus as our Savior, He renews our minds. The Holy Spirit takes up residence and begins to transform us. Jesus unlocks our closed minds and changes how we see Him, others, and ourselves.

Romans 12: 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.[2]

Jesus didn’t look like the Messiah the Jewish leadership expected. Their closed minds kept them from seeing that while Jesus was a human man, He was also God. Thus, they jumped to the conclusion that Jesus was a blasphemer. In contrast, the four friends who brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus came with faith and an open mind to what Jesus would do.

An Opened Mind to Love

As we grow in faith, the Lord begins to transform us, and we begin to see people in a new way. They may be the same people, but God has opened our eyes to their inner needs. You may begin praying for strangers you meet instead of ignoring them. This is the work of the Holy Spirit in your heart and mind.

We can ask God to see others as He sees them. Our Lord loves to answer these prayers because He knows it changes you and those you meet. Perhaps the Lord is prompting you to pray that prayer as you read this. John 15:12This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.[3]

The four friends brought the paralyzed man to Jesus. The crowds didn’t deter them because they were determined. When we love others, it changes them and us. Who brought you to Jesus, and how has that changed your life? Who is the Lord prompting you show the love of Jesus to?

Where does the Lord need to break a resistant mindset? To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/made-whole-by-forgiveness

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Faith that Leads to Wholeness

Tom Graves

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June 17, 2026

Faith that leads to wholeness is a story repeated throughout the Scriptures. Faith is essential to life, not just for eternity, but for transformation today. Scripture tells us in Ephesians 2:20 that Jesus Himself is the chief cornerstone. He is the foundation upon which everything else is built. True wholeness is not built on feelings, success, or circumstances. It is built on Christ.     Hebrews 11:1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”[1] Faith anchors us to Jesus. He is the One who makes us whole.

 In Mark 2:4–5, four men brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus. When they could not enter the house because of the crowd, they climbed to the roof, dug through it, and lowered their friend down before Him. Their faith refused to stop at the obstacle. Mark 2:5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, ‘My child, your sins are forgiven.” [2] Notice the connection: faith brought the man to Jesus, and He restored his soul. Jesus later healed his body. Faith was the pathway to wholeness in Jesus.

When I Struggle with My Faith

The four men in our story have incredible faith, but what if I struggle with my own faith? You might know that faith is the foundation of your life in an academic sense, but you don’t feel like you have a strong faith. What should you do?

Having doubts about our faith can throw our lives off balance. When we struggle with faith, it can feel like our purpose in life is on shaky ground. The good news is the Lord is always there to speak to us and confirm that we do have faith. He may not speak in an audible voice, but through the Holy Spirit, His word, or another way. Romans 8:16For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.[3] The Psalms are full of people crying out to God, so you are not alone as you ask the Lord to help you work through your struggle with faith.

Faith Propels Us Toward Wholeness

There is something powerful about faith. It moves us forward despite obstacles and carries us through uncertainty. It presses through the crowd and tears open roofs if necessary. The four friends did not fully understand what Jesus would do, but they trusted Him enough to act. Their faith positioned their friend for a miracle.

In the same way, our faith positions us before Christ, where transformation happens. Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” [4] Jesus is our good shepherd and desires to lead His sheep when they struggle, doubt, need guidance, or reassurance of faith to make them whole. Philippians 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. [5]

To find out more about faith that leads to wholeness, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/made-whole-by-forgiveness

[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Wholeness Starts with Forgiveness

Tom Graves

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June 16, 2026

Wholeness starts with forgiveness since our most important need is to be forgiven. Jesus came into this world to die for our sins and restore us to God. While we need food, water, and shelter to survive physically, nothing compares to our spiritual need. Without forgiveness, we remain separated from the very One who created us.

Today, you might carry a heavy burden because of the sin in your life. The good news is that we can ask Jesus to forgive us. We can take our burden of sin to the cross and leave it there. In our story today, four men brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus. They wanted their friend healed.

Something Greater Than Physical Healing

Mark 2:4 They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” [1]  

Before healing the man’s body, He said, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” Why? Because wholeness begins in the soul. The man’s paralysis was visible, but his greatest need was invisible. His deepest problem was not his legs; it was his sin. Jesus addressed the eternal before the temporary. Forgiveness came first because forgiveness is what truly makes us whole.

Forgiveness First

Jesus lifted the burden of sin first through forgiveness. The Lord removed the internal weight before the man stood externally. Our greatest need is the same. We may come to Jesus asking for relief from circumstances, healing from pain, or answers to problems. Yet Jesus looks deeper. He sees the heart. He knows that until we are forgiven, we are not whole. In mercy and compassion, Jesus did both. He forgave the man and then healed him. The miracle of walking was powerful, but the miracle of forgiveness was eternal.

Forgiveness Changes Everything

There is nothing more life-changing than having your sins forgiven. I once knew a decorated soldier who did not know the Lord. Later in life, after developing cancer, a Christian caretaker led him to Jesus. He confessed his sins, asked Christ to come into his life, and was baptized. His countenance changed. Though his body was failing, his soul was whole in Jesus.

He lived less than a year after coming to faith, but he had hope—true hope—because he had been forgiven. Jesus had made him whole. This is the same gift offered to us. As believers, we need to confess our sins daily. Forgiveness allows us to walk in daily restoration.

If you do not yet know Jesus, you can bring your burden to Him now. He has already carried your sin to the cross. Ephesians 1:7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. [2] Bring your sin to Jesus. Lay it at the cross and receive what your heart has needed all along. Forgiveness makes you whole.

To find out how wholeness starts with forgiveness, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/made-whole-by-forgiveness

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

Made Whole Through Life’s Obstacles

Tom Graves

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June 15, 2026

Being made whole in Jesus through life’s obstacles is not the path most of us want to go down. In God’s plan for our lives, obstacles can be times of testing that help us become better people. Perhaps as you read this, there is a major obstruction in your life that you are trying to overcome. Obstacles are not always setbacks. Sometimes they are divine setups. They are God’s way of leading us toward something better. Often, they are the very means by which Jesus makes us whole.

In the Gospel of Mark 2:2–5, four friends carried a paralyzed man to Jesus, only to find the house too crowded to enter. The obstacle was real. The crowd blocked the door. The way forward seemed impossible. But instead of turning back, they went up. They dug through the roof and lowered their friend directly in front of Jesus.

What looked like a hindrance became the pathway to wholeness.Mark 2:5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” [1] Before healing his body, Jesus healed his soul. The greatest obstacle in the man’s life was not paralysis—it was sin. And in one divine moment, Jesus made him whole from the inside out.

Obstacles Help Us Rely on Jesus

Have you ever tried to handle life on your own, only to discover how much you need God? I remember coming to the end of myself. I had been sensing for months what the Holy Spirit was asking me to do, yet I had been resisting it. The difficulty did not go away: it intensified. Finally, when I surrendered, I realized something powerful: the obstacle was not there to defeat me but to draw me closer to Jesus.

Psalm 145:8 The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. [2] He patiently allows circumstances that bring us to the end of ourselves so we can discover that wholeness is found in Him alone.

Obstacles Can Redirect Us Toward Wholeness

Sometimes obstacles are God’s way of changing our direction. What feels like a closed door may actually be Jesus guiding us into deeper faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we live by believing and not by seeing.[3] Faith stretches us. It moves us beyond comfort and self-reliance. When Jesus calls us to walk by faith, He is not trying to make life harder—He is making us whole. Trusting Him reshapes our character and deepens our dependence on Him.

Obstacles Refine Us

God often uses difficulties to refine us. Pride and self-sufficiency cannot survive long when we hit the wall of life. Trials expose what is weak so Jesus can strengthen it. 1 Peter 1:7 tells us that faith is tested and purified like gold. Refinement is not punishment; it is preparation.   

 Through trials, Jesus removes the broken and restores what reflects Him. The paralyzed man’s greatest obstacle brought him face to face with Jesus. And that encounter changed everything. The obstacles in your life today may feel overwhelming. But they may also be the very tools Jesus is using to bring you to Himself. Because when we are led to Jesus, He makes us whole. To learn more about made whole through life’s obstacles, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/made-whole-by-forgiveness

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Wholeness Through Divine Intervention

Tom Graves

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June 14, 2026

Wholeness through divine intervention may not be our plan, but it is God’s. We may think we have our own path figured out, but the good news is the Lord always has a better one. His plans require divine intervention—and that intervention is always aimed at making us whole.

We often think we know best until we reach a dead end or find ourselves stuck in the mud and mire. Then we cry out to God. Psalm 40:2 says, “He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.[1]

Sometimes His intervention comes through circumstances that interrupt our plans. Other times, He places a new calling on our hearts. I experienced this personally. I worked in manufacturing engineering until the Lord called me into deeper waters as a pastor. That divine intervention did not just redirect my career—it transformed my life and my family’s. Jesus was not simply changing my plans; He was making me whole through obedience.

Jesus Looked to the Father for His Plans

In Mark 2, four men carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus. Their determination led them to break through a roof just to place him before the Lord. This interruption could have frustrated any teacher. But Jesus was never driven by His own agenda. In John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.[2]

What seemed like an interruption was actually divine intervention. Jesus saw their faith, but before addressing the man’s physical condition, He forgave his sins. Why? Because wholeness starts in the soul. The paralysis was visible, but the deeper need was spiritual. Through divine intervention, Jesus made the man fully whole. He was spiritually forgiven and physically restored. His life was transformed, and so were the lives of those watching.

Let the Lord Make You Whole

What if we began each day asking the Lord to interrupt our plans? What if we welcomed His divine intervention instead of resisting it? God is good, and everything He does is good. When He changes our direction, it is never random or cruel. He is not manipulating us; He is transforming us. His goal is always to shape us into the likeness of Jesus and prepare us for eternity.

Wholeness in Jesus often comes disguised as interruption. God’s plans are not always easy, I can testify to that. But they are always good. Proverbs 16:3 Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. [3] When we surrender our agenda, we discover something greater than success: we discover the deeper meaning of faith. Divine intervention is not God disrupting your life. It is Jesus making you whole.

To find out more about wholeness through divine intervention, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/made-whole-by-forgiveness

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Restored and Found

Tom Graves

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June 13, 2026

When Zacchaeus met Jesus, he was restored and found a new life. As the chief tax collector in Jericho, he appeared to have it all, yet he may have felt empty inside. When he heard Jesus was passing by, he climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see Him. A spark of hope probably ignited as Jesus called to him, saying, “Come down quickly, I must stay at your house today.”

The Holy Spirit had already been at work in Zacchaeus, and now Jesus planned to visit his home. Zacchaeus walked away with Jesus joyfully despite the crowd’s grumbling. While Jesus aims to restore people and lead them to salvation, the crowd was upset about showing compassion to a well-known sinner. In many ways, all of us are like Zacchaeus. Without the intervention of our Savior, we are lost.

Restoration Changes Us

The restoration of Zacchaeus was evident when his view of his material possessions changed. Luke 19:8 Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” [1]

Zacchaeus’ heart changed, and it positively affected the people he had unfairly taxed. Our lives are like ripples in a pond because they’re connected to so many others, like a giant web. This text doesn’t say whether Zacchaeus continued to be a tax collector. If he did, he would have had the opportunity to share with others the grace of God that he received and how it changed his life.

The Gift of Salvation

The greatest gift Zacchaeus received that day was salvation. Luke 19:9 Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” [2]  By surrendering his will to the work of the Holy Spirit, Zacchaeus’s life would now be completely different. Instead of building his life on the riches of this world, he was building it on the riches of Christ. This is where Zacchaeus’s life is an example for people throughout the ages.

Without Jesus in our lives, we are empty, but it need not end that way. Philippians 3:9Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him.[3]

We need to be like Zacchaeus and lay down what we once treasured and receive the gift Christ freely offers. It is then that we discover a salvation that restores our purpose and fills our emptiness with eternal hope. The same Savior who sought and found him still seeks us today. Jesus is ready to transform every surrendered heart with the incomparable riches of His grace.

To learn more about being restored and found by Jesus, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/called-to-wholeness-through-faith

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Evidence of Transformation

Paula K. Graves

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June 12, 2026

Zacchaeus demonstrated evidence of transformation that had happened in his heart as Jesus came to his house. Luke 19: 8 Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” [1]

Tax collectors were notorious for cheating because they could keep the extra money they collected. As a chief tax collector, Zacchaeus probably cheated both the tax collectors under him and the public. As a Jew, other Jews would have looked down on Zacchaeus for his involvement with the pagan Romans. Thus, he was despised and hated by the townspeople.

Yet, by his declaration, the money that had been so significant before is no longer important. Zacchaeus is willing to make extravagant recompense at a rate far over that of the Old Testament law. Numbers 5: 7 They must confess their sin and make full restitution for what they have done, adding an additional 20 percent and returning it to the person who was wronged.[2] His actions demonstrated a significant change of heart.

The Cost of Discipleship

While Jesus gives us grace for salvation as a free gift, it cost Jesus everything. As we follow Jesus, we receive this free gift, but it will cost us our lives as we live for Him. Jesus warned of this. Luke 14: 27 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. 28 “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?[3]

We can only live this demanding life of discipleship with Jesus’ help. John 15: 5 Yes, I (Jesus) am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing…8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. [4]

True Faith Leads to Action

Discipleship requires knowledge for faith. But that faith must result in action. James 2: 17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.[5] We can’t save ourselves by good deeds. Good deeds are to be the fruit of our faith. They are our way of honoring and thanking Jesus for what He has done for us. Good deeds are evidence of transformation.

Transformed hearts result in transformed lives. The type of life reflects what is in the heart. Titus 1: 15 Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good. [6] May we all allow Jesus to transform our hearts and strengthen us to live lives that reflect that transformation and glorify God. To find out more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/called-to-wholeness-through-faith

[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Overcoming Societal Judgments

Tom Graves

no comments

June 11, 2026

Overcoming societal judgment is challenging and requires God’s strength, as Zacchaeus’s story illustrates. We may like to think people’s critical comments don’t affect us, but they do. As Jesus entered the town of Jericho on His way to die for our sins, He encountered a man named Zacchaeus. He was so eager to see Him he climbed up a sycamore-fig tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus.

Luke 19:5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” 6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. [1]

In this brief moment, we gain insight into the hearts of those who witnessed the interaction between Zacchaeus and Jesus. Instead of rejoicing in God’s grace, our sinful nature often seeks to drag people down to our level. The good news is we don’t have to respond this way. Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. [2]

Focus on Jesus

When the crowd grumbled at Zacchaeus for Jesus’s desire to stay at his house, he was undeterred. Despite his status and wealth as the chief tax collector, Zacchaeus felt empty inside. The crowd was displeased with Zacchaeus, but Jesus’ love enveloped him, enabling him to move beyond their comments.

In the Gospels, the religious leaders often complained about the people Jesus ministered to. Zacchaeus may have been a person of questionable character, but no one is beyond the reach of the Good Shepherd. Paul tells us about the importance of pressing forward with our eyes on Jesus. Philippians 3:13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.[3]

Building Up Others

As believers in Jesus, we have many opportunities along our journey of faith to build others up. Ephesians 4:29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. [4] In a world quick to criticize and condemn, we best reflect Jesus by choosing words that heal rather than hurt.

In a culture driven by opinions and public judgment, our encouragement stands as a strong testament to grace and compassion. Overcoming societal judgment isn’t about tearing others down but about faithfully uplifting them in love. By doing so, we become instruments in the Lord’s hands, helping to make people whole through Jesus’s love.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/called-to-wholeness-through-faith

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation Tyndale House Publishers.

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