4/16/2021
<br>Author: Mike Kelley
<br>Title: Mike's Minute
<br><br>But God commendeth his love toward us,<br>in that, while we were yet sinners,<br>Christ died for us.<br><br>Romans 5:8<br><br>Matthew was a tax collector, a hated man among the Jews for helping Rome tighten its occupation. Even so... Jesus loved Matthew, and eventually chose him as one of His apostles. <br><br>Peter had a quick temper, his emotions easily triggered by circumstances. He denied knowing Jesus three times during the most critical hours of Jesus’ life on earth. Even so... Jesus loved Peter and empowered him to lead the early church. <br><br>Saul “made havoc” of the church in Jerusalem, leading raids on homes of Christians and imprisoning the devout. He consented to the death of Stephen, and was one of the official witnesses of his execution. He even requested letters of authority to extend the persecution of the church to other cities, including Damascus. Even so... Jesus loved Saul, appeared to him in a light from heaven, and called him to repentance. <br><br>No matter what a person may have done- no matter their character flaws-Jesus loves them. He loved them to the point of dying on their behalf in the cross... including dying for your enemy... the friend or family member who disappoints you or frustrates you...the person who disagrees with your political views. <br><br>Jesus knows you. He knows you better than you know yourself. He knows your faults, your foibles, and your frailty. Even so... He loves you. <br><br>Want some good news?  Here it is: Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. <br>