Scandalous

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5

Jesus is…
God revealed.
Before all,
Holding all,
Over all.
Firstborn Son,
First reborn.

But we were…
Outsiders.
Enemies,
In our hearts,
And our deeds.
Wayward, wrong,
Without hope.

So Jesus…
Reconciled,
Everything—
Even us.
Making peace,
Through his blood,
Shed for us.

Now we are…
Sinner-saints,
Without blame.
Holding hope,
Held by him.
God in us—
Scandalous.

Natalie Abbott

Natalie Abbott is the co-founder and chief content officer of Dwell Differently. She’s the co-author of the Dwell on These Things Bible study and Dwell Differently: Overcome Negative Thinking with the Simple Practice of Memorizing God’s Truth. Natalie loves reading fiction, drinking hot tea, going on dates, and hanging out with her five growing kids. Natalie’s husband Jason is the pastor of Central Church in Jefferson City, Missouri where they currently reside.