The Tax Collector

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The Tax Collector

After this Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting in his office. Jesus said to him, "Follow me." Levi got up, left everything, and followed him. --Luke 5:27-28

Levi worked as a tax collector. He was held in low esteem by the Jews, because he collected taxes from them for the Romans. But there was another side to Levi, and Jesus brought this side of his personality to life when he said, "Follow me."

When we understand that God acknowledges us through unconditional love, and that he calls us to follow him and share in his life, we become alive through the knowledge that we are accepted. A side of our personalities that laid dormant is reawakened. Knowing that we are called and loved, we discover a courage to let down our barriers and accept the love of God that makes us whole. When the truth of God's love for us reaches our hearts, we are changed.

Something similar happens when we acknowledge one another with love. The care we receive from others gives us the courage to accept ourselves and to see ourselves as having value. Believing in our own value, we have the courage to give love to others.

Just as love freed Levi to change his life and to follow the call of God, so love frees us to change our lives and to follow Jesus wherever he leads us.

Through your call to me, Lord, I find my value and my freedom to risk loving others. Thank you, Lord, for your love that makes me free.

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