Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.

– John 3:17-21

I cannot help but think about parenting when I read scripture. The imagery and relationships are clear. A parent seeking to help children do what is right. A parent willing to sacrifice. Children rebelling. It is also striking, that in this relationship, there is a child, Jesus, who is perfect.

No matter how many times it is reframed for me, I often feel myself judged, no longer by the church as I was in my youth, but often times by myself or by my perceptions from others. The beginning of today’s passage reminds me that that is by no means God’s goal. God “sent the Son into the world…in order that the world might be saved.” It is our opportunity to accept this gift and our responsibility to act upon it.

As a parent, I try to remind my children that it is important to acknowledge when we do something wrong. It is also important to change our actions so we do not repeat our mistakes. I need to remember that, although I am a parent, I am also a child. Not only to my parents, but to God. And I need to consistently seek forgiveness and commit to changing my ways. And I need to remember that children can be perfect. Not their choices. But their spirit.

PRAYER:

Good and gracious God, please help me to remember to see the grace that you have given me. Help me to offer it to others, and to work each day to learn from my mistakes. I cannot be worthy of your grace, so help me to accept it and respond.

– Pat McClintock-Comeaux