He was so good !

Wednesday 2 June 2021

He was so good !

The Lord knows those who belong to him. 2 Timothy 2.19

At religious funerals, laudatory speeches about the deceased often highlight the love and dedication he has shown throughout his life. Of course, recalling his good sides pays him homage. But the problem is the conclusion that is often drawn : the deceased is now in Heaven. We could not be further from biblical truth !

Indeed, the criterion for entering into the presence of God is neither kindness nor good works. If that was the case, no one would be admitted ! Because who can claim to be perfectly good, to have always acted according to the good ?

A young man asked Jesus about this : Master, what good must I do to have eternal life ? The Lord answered him : Why do you ask me what is good ? Only one is the right one. (Matthew 19.16-17) Indeed, God alone is good, perfect, separate from evil. In contrast, we are inherently sinners, unable to meet divine demands.

But here is the good news : Jesus can clothe us in his perfection! His goodness can become ours, enabling us to truly love. We will act, not to gain divine favor, but because we belong to him and are happy to obey him. So let us come to Jesus to receive his forgiveness and eternal life. It will then be offered to us without any merit on our part.

Francoise Lanthier

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Proposed reading : Book of the Prophet Isaiah, chapter 55, verses 1 to 7.

Source (Live Today)