I used to be a big believer in guilt. After all, I was raised on it. Somewhere along the line, I heard the message of grace, and I bought it. Part of the reason that I flocked to grace, is that I saw how much I was hurting people with guilt.
I know pastors whose messages are all about guilt. Who is good, who is bad, who is in, and who is out. I always want to ask, "where is the love?" [now you are going to have that Roberta Flack song stuck in your head!] I have watched good people join those churches and I wonder why. I think some people like rules and I think some people like an authority figure to tell them if they are ok. People are just not used to grace.
Maybe someday, when people see the damage that guilt does, they will choose love instead. Jesus never browbeat anyone into following him. Love is so much more constructive, so much more effective, and so much more healthy.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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Jeff, I agree with your message today. My question is does the person you are treating with grace, love , & kindness realize it? I know I feel better dealing with issues in this way, but, it isn't all about "me". What if that person still continues to say & do hurtful things???
Thank you for showing the way to understanding grace better. It is so much more loving & forgiving than anger & guilt. It is hard sometimes, but definitely is powerful. And you don't hold onto the pain or anger. Grace is amazing.
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