Justified.

Luke 18:9-14, And He also told this parable to certain ones who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee, and the other a tax-gatherer. The Pharisee stood and was praying thus to himself, ‘God, I thank Thee that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-gatherer. ‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax-gatherer, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself shall be exalted.”

There’s something about drawing closer to God that draws out the truth; coming into the light, we can see more clearly how great is our need for cleansing. That’s not a reason for us to draw back into self-righteous darkness, for in recognizing our deepest needs we find His deepest loving-kindness that is always ready to justify us by the power of the cross. And in His grace and mercy we can find the peace that passes understanding.

We thank You for Your love that has given the world this amazing grace and good news; give us the boldness to share the good news with others.