In Luke 7 we learn about a woman who had a less-than-stellar reputation.

Even though we all mess up and have many missteps in our journey with God, it’s probably not something we want to be known for. This woman was known for sin.

She went up to Jesus boldly, looking for forgiveness. An on-looking Pharisee bristled. “If this [Jesus] were a prophet,” he thought, “he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner” (verse 39).

In thinking this, he was showing his heart—that he, unlike the woman, didn’t put himself in that same category… that he wasn’t as in need of forgiveness as her.

When we look down our noses, the only one we tend to condemn is ourselves.

This isn’t to say that sin is good, or that it should be dismissively condoned. It shouldn’t. But I think it’s a more biblical and humble posture to first see that we are all made in the image of our Creator, and that we too are creatures of need.

Humility first.

When we look down our noses, the only one we tend to condemn is ourselves.

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ANNOUNCING! – “The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan.” That’s right, it’s officially here! It’s about living abundantly wholeheartedly. Sometimes it includes a featured topic, sometimes an interview, and sometimes a biblical study. You can subscribe wherever you enjoy podcasts: iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or TuneIn. Click here for the home-base where you can learn more, see an explainer video, or get subscribe links

A recent episode: 
—An interview with therapist Sarah Covey. In 30 minutes we cover a lot of ground: mental health, navigating the pandemic and what it’s like now vs. 10 months ago, living in perpetual crisis, the connection between exercise and mental well-being, why motivation is hard, looking to God, and daily practices about how to be well. She has great things to say. I encourage you to listen in here.

The most recent sermon:
–“Deleting words from dictionaries and other love-impoverishing things.” It’s based on Luke 7:36-50. You can listen by going here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.