Those who criticize Jesus for picking corn on the Sabbath are fearful. If we break a rule, God will punish or abandon us. This sort of fear is found in all religions, as people struggle to please God and make God happy. It is so unnecessary. Jesus reassures them, insisting that even the rules are put here to help us, not to trip us up or lead to punishment. But we find it so hard to believe that God can be so kind and compassionate, but fortunately for us, God is not like human beings! The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews assures his readers that God has already promised His salvation and mercy to us, and has sworn an oath by no less an authority than Himself. God cannot and will not go back on His word; God will never let us down. Released, then, from the numbing fear that grips so many people, we can live enthusiastic and hope-filled lives. The good that we do for others is because we are joyful and liberated. We behave with loving kindness and compassion towards others because that is how God has dealt with us. The greatest gift we can give God in return is gratitude, and the best way to show gratotide is to share with others what God has given to us. We have already been accepted by God; let our lives be one of loving response to such kindness.