Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said.

-John 20:26, NLT

Eight days!

Jesus has already shown up once to the Disciples. Yet the Disciples are still in a locked room eight days later.

I am encouraged by this detail in the Gospel story. It gives me courage to know God meets us where we are at. He does not berate us for not being more courageous or full of faith.

You see Jesus does neither.

He does not lecture the Disciples for locking the door. Instead, He shows up and helps them believe He is risen.

That is Jesus.

My Jesus does not condemn. But rather He is full of love and kindness to the fearful and hurting as he was with his Disciples.