In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14), the latter “went home justified before God” – “light-hearted”. Formerly, the burden and depression in his mind over his sins had a restraining effect on him. But now this man knows that his sins have been forgiven – taken away from him – by God’s love and grace. He was pardoned and the burden of debt was wiped from his heart and mind. He is, therefore, no longer heavy-hearted.

 

Obedient Christians are light-hearted people, but not frivolous. Frivolity pairs with nonsense, and later breeds downheartedness. It causes you to ‘slip up’ because you behave in a senseless manner and then start doing things wrong way, even doing wrong things, which harm and hurt others and eventually yourself

 

By listening to God – and understanding and accepting his wisdom, plan, love and grace – you experience the profound – and it provides perspective on the true life, as he intended it. It helps you lay down a sinful lifestyle and burden. And that enlightens you, helps you to see and understand clearly, obey and do things properly – live and experience life as it was meant to be. Profoundly, in God’s plan, you live light-heartedly – you know you are on the right path, strengthened and full of his love and joy, blessed and a blessing for others. It cultivates the meaning of life as well as the peace that surpasses all understanding.

 

Prayer: Merciful Lord God, let your Spirit take away every bit of guilt from my heart and mind. Please help me to experience your counsel every day and be a blessing to others, glorifying you, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

“Ek sê vir julle: Hierdie man, en nie die ander een nie, het huis toe gegaan as iemand wie se saak met God reg is.” Lukas 18:14a, 1983-vertaling

 

In die gelykenis van die Fariseër en die tollenaar (Lukas 18:9-14), is laasgenoemde huis toe “as iemand wie se saak met God reg is” (vers 14) – lig van hart. Voorheen het die las en bedruktheid in sy gemoed, oor sy sondes, remmend op hom ingewerk. Maar nou weet hierdie man sy sonde is weens God se liefde en genade vergewe – en van hom af weggeneem. Hy is begenadig en die skuldlas is van sy hart af en uit sy gemoed uitgewis. Hy is dus ook nie meer swaarmoedig nie.

 

Gehoorsame Christene is ‘lighartige’ mense, maar nie ligsinnig nie. Ligsinnigheid paar met onsinnigheid en baar later beswaardheid. Dit laat jou ‘opslip’ omdat jy sin verloor en dinge dan verkeerd begin doen, selfs ook verkeerde dinge doen, wat vir ander én jouself benadeel, seermaak – van lekker lag kom lekker (ellendig) huil.

 

Deur na God te luister en sy wysheid, plan, liefde en genade te begryp en aanvaar, maak jou diepsinnig – gee perspektief op die regte lewe, soos Hy dit bedoel. Dit help jou om ’n sondige styl en las neer te lê. Dit maak jou verlig, help om helder te sien en verstaan, gehoorsaam te doen, leef en beleef. Diepsinnig in sy plan, leef jy lig van hart – jy weet jy’s op die regte pad, versterk en vol van sy liefde en vreugde, geseënd en tot seën vir ander. Dit bewerk lewenssin en vrede wat alle verstand te bowe gaan.

 

Gebed: Genadige Here God, laat u Gees asseblief elke stukkie skuldlas van my hart en verstand af wegneem. Help my asseblief elke dag om u inspraak en seën reg te beleef en dit tot u verheerliking en seën vir ander uit te leef, in Jesus Christus se Naam. Amen