Have you heard of the popular phrase which says, 'before you judge someone, walk a mile in their shoes?'

Although only Christ has the authority to judge the living and the dead (1 Peter 4:5), He didn't come to unfairly judge or condemn us. Jesus' main goal of coming to earth was to spend time with us and understand us better. He also wanted to show that He loves and cares about us.

Jesus understands what we are going through because He actually experienced it for Himself. He went through our daily struggles and hardships and overcame them all.

He understands temptation because He was 'tempted in every way, just as we are, yet He did not sin' (Hebrews 4:15).

He understands rejection because 'He was despised and rejected by mankind' (Isaiah 53:3) and rejected by His own town

(John 1:11). He also understands sorrow and grief because 'Jesus wept' when He heard that His friend, Lazarus had passed away (John 11:35).

While Jesus was on earth, He was consistent with His gentle approach. He associated with everyone, even those who were overlooked and outlawed in society. He did not stand for hypocrisy or discrimination nor did He condone judgemental or proud behaviour. Jesus lived a life of humility by 'making Himself nothing and taking the nature of a servant' (Philippians 2:7).

While Jesus lived among us, He witnessed first-hand the good and bad sides of humanity. However, He chose to focus on our positives, empathised with us and found us worthy to save. Even though He was ridiculed and mocked by some, He did not focus on what people thought about Him. Instead He remained focused on His mission. He was motivated by His love for us to 'humble Himself and become obedient to death on a cross' (Philippians 2:8). Jesus was still mocked even while He was on the cross, yet with His last breaths, filled with compassion, He found the strength to say, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing' (Luke 23:34). Jesus went through so much to pay the penalty for our sins so that we could be free and redeemed.

He also prepared a place for us with Him (John 14:3).

Jesus deserves to be eternally admired because He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

His love, grace and mercies never fade.

This Easter, cling onto Christ's token of love through His sacrifice. He died to show that He understands where we are and the struggles we face so that we can feel His love. This means that at any time, 'we can approach His throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy in our times of need' (Hebrews 4:16).

Christ never gave up on us, so do not give up on Him. Hold on to His promises because He is good, His love endures forever and His faithfulness continues through all generations (Psalm 100:5).

Happy Easter! :)

Esther ♥