Suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, "Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin." In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. —Luke 15:8-10
In Luke 15, Jesus addressed angry Pharisees who were miffed at Him for eating with and fellowshiping with sinners. In reply, Jesus said His Father rejoiced and the angels that did His bidding were glad; therefore, we ought to be glad. Over and over in this chapter Jesus revealed the joyous atmosphere around the throne. In verse 10, He said, "I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (NKJV). He was speaking of the repenting sinner who is still very immature. If the sinner repents at 3:00 p.m., the angels are singing and rejoicing by 3:01 p.m. That sinner is still profoundly immature in his faith, but the angels are abundantly glad. His repentance is absolutely sincere though his maturity is nonexistent. The yes in his spirit is imperfect, but it is eternally significant.
{ PRAYER STARTER }
Give me Your understanding in regards to the immaturity and insincerity I see in others—and in myself at times. Let me look at others through Your eyes and see the potential for spiritual maturity and genuine love.
Love is sincere and genuine many years
before it becomes mature and strong.
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