We, as a church, have spent our history judging away all of those who are just as worthy as we are of the grace and love Christ offers. What is the deal with this hierarchy of sin we have created? Where we tell people not to judge and then ask someone to leave the church because their sin is just “too great.” What about Jesus forgiving his neighbor on the cross:
“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him… but the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God?…We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”” Luke 23:39-43
Jesus also never forced anyone to choose him- even the prostitute who was to be stoned to death (See John 8:1-11 hyperlink for the account), he forgave her and then gave her the instructions to go and leave her life of sin. He did not say, “I forgive you. Now go confess to a priest and sacrifice a lamb.” He did not say this because Jesus is the priest and he was to be the lamb. He sacrificed himself once- for all- granting us the Holy Spirit who will live in us if only we ask. He never forced anyone to choose him, but he does offer a love and forgiveness so deeply profound that we might find ourselves wondering, “Why wouldn’t I want that?” To speak directly with God and listen for Him to speak back. It is available now.
In light of all the junk people have been doing to each other for as long as anyone knows, it seems to me that not choosing Jesus certainly won’t make the fighting stop and it won’t make life any easier.
But, what would happen if we all did choose Jesus? And I don’t mean all became Protestant or Catholic or Baptist or walked around saying that we choose him– but all actually chose Jesus.
Chose to love others with the same love Jesus showed us; chose to depend on one another as community was made for; and chose to serve others instead of hoarding up for ourselves.
What would happen?
My thoughts are that church would become a place of unconditional love, peace, and rest; and the world would become a place to pursue, in living example, unconditional love, peace, and grace.
Grace would not be something we only extended to our friends and Jesus would finally be able to stop wondering why it is the Christians who are driving people away from Him.
