Just Words (Part 2)

Would I be so quick to extend grace if the sin were different?

That was how I ended my last post.

Hmm.  Did I really ask that question?  Did I really admit to writing a part two?  If I could retract that question, would I?  Yes, yes and yes.  It’s a tough one to answer.

Actually it’s downright complicated.

But why?  And what is the right response?

I am only speaking for myself here.  I don’t like it when writers use words like “we”, “you”, and “us” and assume that we all feel the same way.  Because we don’t.  We have different and unique views—even on the topic of grace.

The church circles I have walked in throughout  my life have mostly shaped my view of grace.  I’ve formed my view based on what I’ve heard.  Though I know the teaching has come from biblical truths, I know there is also a tremendous responsibility on me to study the Word for myself.

I don’t think I’ve figured this topic out completely.  Maybe I never will.  That bugs me.  I like nice, neat answers that make sense and are easy to apply to daily life.

Since writing part one I’ve seen two well-known bloggers/authors/speakers write about this subject.  One of them took a turn I never expected.  Well, maybe I did expect it, but I didn’t expect him to go public with it.  Someone else wrote an article who shares a similar church background as mine.  She was uninvited to speak at a Christian church event because her views on grace and sin and who to love were a bit too radical for this more conservative crowd.

And it’s people like them that trip me up.  I think I’ve got it figured out, and then I read something or hear something from leaders I respect, and all my thoughts send me back to square one to rethink. I guess that’s a good thing.

But sitting at square one this time, I figured something out.  How I wish I could experience the kind of relationship Abraham, Moses and Joshua had with God.  How I wish I could walk in the sandals of Peter or John who had Jesus right beside them for three years.  But guess what? I do have someone who’s really amazing.  I have the Holy Spirit.

If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. John 14:15-17

How beautiful is that?  How simple is that?  The Holy Spirit.  The One who lives in me and reveals truth to me in every situation.  The one who prompts me to extend grace; speak truth; love the difficult souls who need to be loved; write a blog post on a controversial subject; hold back from posting my opinion on social media; or to downright shut up when my words are punchy.  I have access to that kind of truth in every moment.

So do you.  (ooops, I mentioned “you.”)

It seems this topic of grace and love and how to apply this to sin is a popular topic in the church right now.  I am still navigating through it.  But as I do, I’m thankful I have the Spirit of Truth to guide me.

Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. ~Jesus (John 14:23)