Are you struggling to keep from fuming in the heat of this social climate like I am? Everyone has experiences that might justify outrage, but anger that leads to sin is itself sin (Matthew 5:22).
Christian sibling, our citizenship is of Heaven (Philippians 3:20) and our duty is that of ambassadors of grace (2 Corinthians 5:20). We are to be so confoundedly forgiven that we cannot help but forgive those around us (Romans 5:17, 1 Timothy 1:14). Yet, in this social climate where hate breeds hate and malicious vengeance masquerades as justice, many of us find ourselves so entangled in our human characteristics, relationships, and experiences that we render ourselves incapable of representing grace (Hebrews 12:1). If I, as a retired police officer, allow my blue-blood to boil when I see a police mannequin hanging in a noose I squelch my outflow of grace. If I am so patriotic that a burning flag ignites my wrath I have allowed my human experience to claim part of my spirit. If what makes life matter to me is predicated by the hue of its packaging then I discredit the Creator’s majesty. If my concept of grace is limited to those who sin like me then I have forgotten from Whom it comes.
Many of us find ourselves so entangled in our human characteristics, relationships, and experiences that we render ourselves incapable of representing grace.
We were never promised an easy time on Earth. Quite to the contrary, we are assured persecutions of increasing severity and frequency (references) until the world is judged in fire (2 Peter 3:7, 10). Jesus promised that we would overcome the world not enjoy its embrace (John 16:33). We cannot lament the descent of the whole by omitting the salvation of the few with whom we have influence.
It is said that only the grace of God can remedy this turmoil. How true that is! But the blood that bought grace has already been spilled and the Author of Peace has already finished His work. It remains now for us to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess (Hebrews 10:23), pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44), gently instruct those who oppose us in hopes they too will escape the devil’s trap (2 Timothy 22:25-26), and do not forsake the assembling together of the saints (Hebrews 10:25). With balled fists, we cannot reach out to those who need salvation.
With balled fists, we cannot reach out to those who need salvation.
"Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."
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