Just As They Are – The Presidential Prayer Team

God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8

It is easy to practice kindness toward someone you really care about or want to impress. It is more difficult to be kind to someone who has hurt you or who is rude or unlikeable in some way. That is why Jesus teaches on forgiving those who hurt you (Matthew 6:14-15), being kind to “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40), and loving your enemies (Matthew 5:44).

All people want to be loved, accepted, and forgiven. What a relief it is to know you do not have to be perfect in order to receive salvation in Jesus. He came to the earth to die for all. A favorite hymn Just as I Am by Charlotte Elliott (1835) clearly expresses this concept. “Just as I am, without one plea – But that Thy blood was shed for me – And that thou bid’st me come to Thee, Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come.”

Jesus loves each individual. He showed kindness to those from all walks of life: children, Samaritans, lepers, the rich and the poor. He loved the rich young ruler, but the young man did not want to give up his wealth to enter God’s kingdom (Mark 10:22). It is tempting to become angry or hardened toward some politicians when they seem to fight against what you stand for. As you pray for the United States, remember that Jesus died for them, too. Pray that this Christmas season they will understand why Christ came and that He is coming again. Pray that they will be led to repentance and receive Him as Lord and Savior. Ask the Lord to unify the people of the United States and that He will carry out His will in this nation.

Today’s Verse: Romans 5:8

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Mark 10:17-27

¹⁷And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ¹⁸And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. ¹⁹You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” ²⁰And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” ²¹And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” ²²Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

²³And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” ²⁴And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” ²⁶And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” ²⁷Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”