01 August 2012

I believe in grace. I believe that grace has eliminated the power of law over our lives. I believe that grace covers EVERY sin that has ever been committed and every sin that will EVER BE committed. I believe that love overcomes sins. And I believe that we should love the sinner but hate the sin. Jesus didn’t ignore, nor did he condone sin. He loved. He was merciful. He got down on hands and knees and washed the feet of sinners. But he did not waiver in speaking against sin. He loved the sinner so much that he gave his LIFE for them. For us. He endured our Father's punishment so we wouldn't have to. But again, he spoke against sin. He never apologized for it. He never backed down from it. As Christians, we are called to do the same. YES, we are called to love one another as we love ourselves. YES, the bible also states that we are not to judge others. And YES, a christian is also called to speak against sin. It is not being judgemental to call something what it is. We are not shouting our opinions, which is what judging would be. We are shouting His-our Abba, our Father and Creator. Yes, he loves EVERYONE. But he also hates sin. He did not create us to be sinners. He created two good people who CHOSE to stray. And because forced love and obedience is not real love, He gives us the choice to choose between sin and Himself every day of our lives. God doesn’t push us into obedience; He invites us to follow Jesus. Jesus, whose grace and love overpowers our sins. OVERPOWERS, not changes. Grace doesn't change sin. It changes YOU. It opens your eyes and changes your heart in such a way that those sins no longer have hold on your life and your spirit. The sin remains the same. It is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And so is our God-and let me ruin the story for you, He wins! Being a Christian IS being called to love others and reach out and bring God's light into dark places. But it is also being called to stand up against Satan and to push against sin with God on our sides. We will not lay down just because the rest of the world thinks that God's word should change with the times. His word remains the same, just as He does, yesterday, today, and forever.