John 15:22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin.
There is a well-known quote attributed to Maya Angelou that says, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” I am reminded of this quote as I read verse 22 this morning. When painting with the “sin brush,” it’s easy to paint broad strokes for big sins, but let’s look at the verses preceding verse 22. Jesus mentions remaining in His love AND loving one another, remaining in His love BY loving one another.
John 15:23 Whoever hates me hates my Father as well.
Snarky comments often don’t seem like a big deal. Being snippy often gets a pass (especially if you are having a bad day), right? But think about how we treat each other daily. I know I’m guilty of not being as kind and welcoming as I could be. I often even feel justified in those feelings. Yet Jesus could be talking directly to me in verse 22 because when I am unkind to others, I’m not living as I know I should, I’m not remaining in His love by loving others.
John 15:24 If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father.
Lord, Forgive me when I don’t treat others as Your deeply loved children. I know better. Help me do better. Always. Help me never underestimate the power of basic human kindness. Help me to live in Your love by loving, welcoming, being kind to those around me. Amen.
John 15:25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’
Have a blessed day.