Condemnation Or Forgiveness?

Recently I sat across the table from a young man who was in a tough spot because of his decisions. His sin was about to become obvious to others and most likely would bring with it a long list of people who would judge and condemn him. But I would not be included in that list. Yes, he blew it, messed up, sinned and now  would have to face the natural consequences for that, but at this moment my only concern was his relationship with Jesus.

As I sat across from this young man in trouble, all I could think was "Been there; done that". His sin was no greater and no less than mine. My past was his present. The difference was I was now covered by grace because of Jesus. I deserved no credit for this fact; it was the work of Jesus that provided such grace. So, having been in the same place as this young man, how could I condemn that which I was forgiven? What this young man needed to hear was how he could receive this same forgiveness.

Listen to what Jesus said about a woman he had forgiven:

"Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little." (Luke 7:47)

Jesus was not saying that there are people who have little to forgive, because we are all sinners, all rebellious against Yahweh. What he is saying is that those who think they have little to be forgiven will never love passionately because they do not understand what has been done for them. When we realize and accept what we are and what Jesus has done for us, we cannot help but treat everyone around us in the same manner. Having been forgiven we find it a simple matter to forgive.

Paul the apostle presented it from a different angle:

"Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things." (Romans 2:1)

This young man who sat across from me was no different from my past, so having sinned how could I condemn him for sinning? Of course I couldn't. That would be hypocritical, making me an actor, pretending to be something I wasn't. And having been forgiven, it was easy for me to forgive. This is the response of those who walk in Christ and minister to a dying world. May they know his love through us.

It's Just The Way He Is

Sometimes we don't give Yahweh enough credit. We see him as a calculating genius who is trying to squeeze out the maximum glory from every situation. We don't mind because we desire for him to have all the glory, but we see him this way because often we are this way. Without even realizing it, we squeeze as much advantage out of each relationship and situation as possible. We need to give Yahweh more credit than this because he is definitely more awesome than we are.

Do you realize that often Yahweh does what he does simply because he desires to do it? No hidden agendas; no advantage to himself; no great design; just because he loves us and has compassion for us. I am not making this up because I like to see Yahweh in this light but instead I am seeing it in the Word of God. Look with me at Luke chapter 7.

Jesus was moving about the country when he approached a city by the name of Nain. As he was coming to the city gates a funeral procession was making it's way out. Jesus looked at this grieving widow who was on her way to bury her only son and he was moved by compassion. Her husband was dead so she had no means of support now that her son also was dead. Jesus looked on her situation and was moved to take action. Now, when the Son of God takes actions things happen.

Jesus told the widow not to weep:

Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. (Luke 7:14-15)

Of course there was a big commotion and they gave Yahweh the glory for this incredible miracle because glory is the natural product of anything Yahweh does, but this was not the purpose. Jesus simply responded according to the compassion he had for this woman.

Sometimes Yahweh does things in us and through us, not as a result of prayer, but because of his compassion, mercy and grace. He looks on our situation and does not want us to be left there, so he reaches out and causes things to change for our benefit. He does it simply because of who he is, according to his character. Yet, there are lots of times we get into situations where he doesn't automatically saves us.

We need to always keep in mind that he is a Dad and sometimes dads permit their kids to get into awkward or difficult situations to teach them valuable lessons. Like the time you mistakenly hit the ball through the neighbours window. A mistake but one that your dad had you face. Even though he ended up paying for the window it was you he made deal with the neighbour. It doesn't mean he didn't have compassion, it was just the lesson was more valuable than a rescue. Our Father is the same way.

We have done nothing to deserve his love and compassion. In fact, we have done the opposite, often forgetting him and sometimes walking in disobedience. Yet his compassion for us took Jesus to the cross. His compassion for us has him living in us. His compassion for us has him cheering us on to the finish line, equipping us to complete the race we started with Jesus. He is always watching over you, always being moved by your circumstances and sometimes he is not able to contain himself as he reaches out in his compassion for you and causes things to change. It's just the way he is.