The attitude by the Pharisees was, “I cannot associate with you because you are not of my religion; therefore, I cannot have fellowship with you.” Jesus, by His action, said, “Because of my religion, I am compelled to associate with you because I want to have fellowship with you.” Jesus went to the people, and through this, the people came to Him.

The nail-pierced hands stand ready to embrace all who come to Jesus. //

Far too often, we put ourselves down because we’re not out there doing what we would consider great works for the Lord. It may come as a surprise to us that God loves and uses us anyway.

The grandiose is not always grand. No matter how slight it may seem, the meaningful gesture from a graceful and grace-filled heart matters. Seek to do what you are capable of doing, and do that well. It may receive little, if any, notice. But God notices, and the person you touch notices. You do matter, and you do count.