My soul is troubled, feeling the weight of our divided opinions and beliefs, the political and cultural wars somehow bleeding into what were once private matters of the heart.
Most keenly felt in relationships, stifling open honesty, forcing us to measure our words and justify our positions. And in doing so, we become inured to self-pride, every bit as needy and broken as those who are marginalized and labeled.
Casting a pall, blinding us to the obvious, for we are all the same at the foot of the cross.
Is it just me, or at times, does it feel as if the Gospel and sacrificial gift of Grace now comes with disclaimers, as if conditional, performative, and politically aligned? When did we stop seeing that we are all broken, all a mess, all unworthy? Why do we trumpet otherwise?
How did the Gospel become threatening or a barrier for the broken-hearted, marginalized, unchurched, outcasts, or seekers? As if spiritual border walls are in place, sins are rank-ordered, viewed as apostate choices, and the most egregious are mentioned from the pulpit. Even more harmful is the silence; all are welcomed here (except–)
How I wish we could sever the worldly influences tangling up the purity of the Gospel. A gentle reminder to anyone falling to their knees and approaching the throne of Grace that there is no need to fear rejection, disapproval, or condemnation.
I am who I am, wholly different from what is too often displayed by my believers.
It is finished. So why do we exclude as if it is not? It is finished, so why have we added conditions to the promise?
Grace upon Grace. Breaking free…