In a previous post I asked the question: Is God a God of goodness, or a God of judgement? Today I was, once again, struck by the love and acceptance in God’s heart towards all mankind. All mankind includes all people – whether they are believers in Christ or still sinners lost in the world.
Many churches wonder how to fill the seats in their buildings. They launch massive campaigns in order to win new members – but then their message is one of judgement and condemnation (i.e. “you need to change in order for God to love you”) and not one of acceptance and love. The only way to draw the world closer to God is to show them His goodness (Rom 2:4).
“Or are you [so blind as to] trifle with and presume upon and despise and underestimate the wealth of His kindness and forbearance and long-suffering patience? Are you unmindful or actually ignorant [of the fact] that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repent (to change your mind and inner man to accept God’s will)?” Rom 2:4
Jesus was a great example as well. He spent time with thieves, prostitutes and people the ‘church’ would not want to be seen with (Mark 2:15). When the Pharisees and law-lovers brought an idolatrous, sinful woman before Jesus, He told them the following:
“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7
To the woman He said: ” I do not condemn you either.” (John 8:11). This should be our only view of sinners and unbelievers around us. Our only job is to show the world His acceptance, love and grace – never to condemn or accuse them. This way the sinners and the lost will truly be drawn to Him.
Simplicity, truth and life 