Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
Select a thought to read by choosing a collection, the month, and then the day:
“Every high priest . . . being able to deal gently with the ignorant and misguided since he, too, is encompassed with weakness.”
Hebrews 5:1–2
When we know ourselves, we are merciful to others. Until we come to know ourselves, however, we usually are not so merciful. People who are proud of how good they have always been are the least merciful and the most impatient with those who fail. One of my earliest feelings about the Lord was wonder, when I thought about how merciful and patient he is, and yet, he never sinned. How did Jesus come to be so incredibly forgiving without first being humbled by failures of his own?
What Jesus told his disciples really is true: “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.”