Could I ever

When I woke up today, I thought of all the things I've done, and all the things He's done - showing grace time and time again. It's so hard to comprehend that kind of love, and it is this very mystery is what drives me to desire to know this Dream-giver. And maybe you too, are overcomed by it all.

And I know that this Dream-giver, or grace-giver, if you will, loved me and loves me even when I don't love Him back. He still extends, with arms open wide, that invitation to participate in His resurrected life and His coming Kingdom. But I, and maybe even you, still am incapable of extending that same grace to others. Not like how Jesus would.

Yes, I wonder if I would still struggle - to look in the eye of a unrepentive someone with love and compassion; to love and accept without pre-judgment; to meet a need before pointing out a wrong; to hate the sin and still love the sinner. Could I ever be like the One who gave such amazing grace and love? Could I ever live and walk reflecting these awesome gifts of forgiveness and salvation?

So once again, Lord, I stand in awe at the foot of the tree, knowing that You hung there bearing my sins even when my heart was lost. Change my heart, thoughts, and attitude. Help me love like You do. May my heart truly belong to You, and be Yours.

All the same

"For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23

I think this verse sets everything clear. There is no man on earth who can claim that he is better than another. Nope. No matter what deeds a person have performed - good or bad... Everyone needs to change, everyone needs to improve, everyone can contribute something to make the world a better place. W e all have something we are ashamed of, which makes us the same and therefore have nothing to be ashamed of. It's just that you and I face different problems. Some are addicted to smoking, to drugs, to sex, to gambling, to pride - all of us need a saviour.

I think it's better to have such a perpective. It opens up so much more opportunities for healing, for making the world a better place. Judging others only binds their soul even more, but relating and understanding breaks down many walls. Yes, rules and regulations are necessary. But rarely do people change because greater punishment have been imposed. Yes, it's important to point out the wrong and stand for the truth. But a child won't grow up healthy if a parent keeps pointing out how dumb he is. No one will ask you for help if you constantly point out their wrong. That hurts the soul even more.

We need to make practical steps to help people to get out of their bad habits, their addictions. And it has to start with love. It has to start with breaking down our pride and self-righteousness. It has to start with the realisation that it's the blood of Jesus that has cleansed and clothed us with His righteousness. Without it we are nothing, so let's stop pretending we are worth something. Let's stop categorizing people and placing judgement. Deep inside, we are all needing a saviour, a healer, a restorer, a comforter, a friend. We're all the same.

If we really want to help make the world a better place, we have to live knowing truth and grace, appreciating truth and grace, sharing truth and grace. Jesus is the Saviour we need.