Warts and All

Chuckle: A man went to the bank and asked to see the man who arranges loans. "I'm sorry, sir," said the cashier, "the loan arranger is out to lunch." "Then," asked the man, "can I please speak to Tonto?"

Quote: “Spread your arms to those with needs, And serve with joy and zest; Fill each day with golden deeds, And give your very best.”  --William A. Ward 

"Therefore he is able to save completely (all) those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:25 NIV).

I once read about a British nobleman who sat to have his formal portrait painted. After it was finished, he saw a most remarkable likeness. But instead of complimenting the artist, he said, "you didn't paint the wart!" The artist responded, "But, sir, I think you are more attractive without it. Don't you think so?" The nobleman answered, "Paint me as I am -- wart and all!"

Aren't you thankful that you are precious and beautiful in the eyes of God, even with all the imperfections (warts) that sin has imprinted upon your heart and life. As did the nobleman, recognizing and accepting our faults (warts) and imperfections gives evidence of a certain level of maturity before God. But God's grace is sufficient to save even the most sinful and unattractive wart-covered reprobate among us; and it is only after we begin to see ourselves in such a hopeless condition that God is able to work His miracle of grace in our lives. After you have experienced God's grace even with your "warts and all," you are now much more willing to accept, overlook, and forgive imperfections in others.

We all have "warts" -- we all mess up -- we all make mistakes -- we all sin (Romans 3:23). When you acknowledge your faults and transgressions, one response is to harbor a sense of guilt and regret and refuse to forgive yourself. Sometimes the most difficult person to forgive is yourself, because you may feel unworthy of God's love, grace and forgiveness and the forgiveness of others. Or, on the other hand, you can recognize your shortcomings and remember that God loves you, warts and all, and He demonstrated that love in that while you were still a sinner, Christ died for you (Romans 5:8).

Speaking of God's love, I think it was Max Lucado who said, "If God carried a wallet, your picture would be in it." If you know Christ as Savior, when God looks at your picture, I'm sure He doesn't see the warts (sins) because they have all been covered by the blood of Jesus. Our passage tells us that our Advocate, our High Priest, our Mediator, our Lord Jesus Christ, is right now making intercession for you and me and pleading our case before the Father -- with not a single wart in sight. Praise!!

Love, Jerry & Dotse