In my younger years I hated going to the doctor. It was so bad that my parents said I cried even when going to the barber shop. After all, the barber wore a white coat like a doctor and used cutting devices.
In my advanced years, I have come to appreciate doctors more and readily go when I need to. I need their knowledge and expertise for healing. They use these skills to recommend treatment to make my life better.
Jesus was often criticized for spending time with the social outcasts of His time. On one such occasion Jesus responded to the critics by saying, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” These leaders thought that they were righteous because they followed rules. Jesus was telling them that their rules would not make them righteous. Only a heart that has received mercy and therefore gives mercy to others is then considered righteous.
We can’t depend on our so called good works to make us righteous before God. Instead we must receive His mercy to forgive our sins, making us righteous. Then we will show mercy to others, rather than judge them based on our preferred rules.
Reluctant Retiree 