So that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new! And all things are from God, the One having reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and having given to us the ministry of reconciliation, as, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not charging their deviations to them, and having put the Word of reconciliation in us. Then on behalf of Christ, we are ambassadors, as God is exhorting through us, we beseech on behalf of Christ, Be reconciled to God. For He made the One who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
I know this may come as a total shock to some of you- you’d better sit down and maybe take a bite of that chocolate you have in your stash- but I was not always the warm, loving, sweet, wonderful person that I am now. NO! It’s TRUE! You know that song, Amazing Grace? John Newton wrote that after meeting me, he did:
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind, but now I see.
OK OK I’m joking around. John Newton didn’t write that for me, and I was never the warm, loving, sweet, wonderful person, ever, lol. I admit! But we’re working on that, the Holy Spirit and me.
I’ve come to the conclusion that no one is ever argued into Christianity. Although God Himself asked us to “Come now and let us reason together: Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as the crimson, they shall be like wool” (Isaiah 1:18), it is the “goodness of God” that leads people “to repentance.” (Romans 2:4). In my case, the goodness of God was exceedingly good, in part because the badness of man was exceedingly bad in my life. I grew up cynical, angry, and depressed. That changed when I met the Man!
Even after being a Christian for some time, my old man-that old personality with its abhorrent traits-would bubble up. It was offensive to people. Truly, it is the cross that should be offensive (Galatians 5:11). Certainly there is a time for being bold, for being angry (Mark 3:5), for being violent against wickedness (John 2:15). But we need to be consumed with His zeal. And I am ALWAYS reminding myself: “You attract more people with honey than with vinegar.” Isn’t that our purpose, to reconcile people to God? Or is it to prove that He’s right, that He has the perfect theology, or whatever? God is well able to defend His righteousness and theology. But how will His message get to others if His messengers are consumed with criticizing, debating, and bickering?
People everywhere have always responded to love. Love is an action, not a warm fuzzy feeling. When Jesus drove out the moneygrubbers from the Jerusalem temple with a whip that He had made, that was love. When He healed a crippled man in the synagogue despite everyone else criticizing Him, that was love. When He rebuked His disciples for lack of faith, that was love. So love doesn’t mean making people feel good about themselves. Love comes out of obedience to God. Love has more concern for people’s souls than their feelings.
As I get older and my nature is being tempered by the Holy Spirit, I’m discovering the joys of reaching out to people with God’s love. Sometimes it’s a sharp word, but most of the time it’s a hug or a helping hand or a word of encouragement. I look in the mirror and wonder who this new person is, lol!
There’s a time to be brash, to be loud, to be convincing. But it must always be with that spirit of the ministry of reconciliation, this must be first and foremost. God will do the convincing, reasoning, and convicting.
13. January 2010 at 7:18 am
Praise God that He loves us and that we can show his love to others. I agree with you 100%! The best description of real love is found in I Corinthians 13:4-8. It’s fresh on my mind right now because it’s the memory passage I am currently teaching in Sunday School to the 5th grade boys.
13. January 2010 at 8:09 am
John Newton wrote that after meeting me Ditto. Or as the verse I’ve claimed on my blog says, I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven. Luke 7:47
In my case, the goodness of God was exceedingly good, in part because the badness of man was exceedingly bad in my life. Ditto. I say with Paul, It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. (1 Timothy 1:15)
Love has more concern for people’s souls than their feelings. Amen. I noted a while back that virtually every prayer documented in the New Testament is for the state of people’s souls, not the state of their bodies or their wallets. I think our prayers should be the same.
Well done, my friend. I put you in Mr. Linky.
13. January 2010 at 10:07 am
“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”
13. January 2010 at 12:42 pm
PBPFIFWMY — Please Be Patient God Isn’t Finished With Me Yet.
14. January 2010 at 6:25 am
When I was an NCO in the Army, I had to deal with troubled soldiers on occasion. Individuals, couples, single parents, etc. Many of these young people did not have much money - the military does not pay well! - if I recommended counseling, they would refuse. On base, doctors weren’t trusted because soldiers were afraid word would get back to the command and it would be bad for their career. Off base ‘free’ counseling was not respected… as one soldier once told me, they’re just Christians using the pain of others as a recruitment tool. NOT meaning to offend - but it is what a certain soldier, a bully with some serious low-self esteem issues, told me, and I heard similar from others - that was a zinger that has stuck with me! Now, I know this is a case of one bad apple spoiling the barrel, but that is what I was up against when trying to get people the help they often really needed!
I love your “You get more flies with honey” and would like to add to it “Actions speak louder than words” … when we do things for others, from the bottom of our hearts, honestly and with love - not to prove a point or fulfill some ulterior motive - you touch people deeper (even if you aren’t perfect :D !) and by that example, I believe that you are more likely to lead others to God than by any other form of preaching or proselytizing.
14. January 2010 at 8:06 am
This is truly a wonderful piece that I can certainly relate to. For the more He shows me just how perfect He is, the more I hate who I naturally am. Alas, He has changed a lot of me, but He has left too much of “me” in place for my comfort.
Thankfully, you did touch upon a subject that most in the Christian community would rather leave alone. For there is now as great of a need for us to openly discuss our differences than ever before. For all who are truly in Christ are supposed to be of the same mind-His mind, to be exact. Therefore, when there is a difference in doctrine, one or the other (and maybe even both) must be wrong, but all such discussion must be in love or nothing good will come of it. Yes, His grace covers sin, but we would do well not to want to take advantage of it.
14. January 2010 at 6:22 pm
Oh, that is so true. Funny, I didn’t even know you were gonna write about this when I wrote my WFW. :D Amazing things I discover through this meme. The saints must be united in the ministry of reconciliation!
14. January 2010 at 11:25 pm
Wow. I was just reminded of a post I did on a subject similar to this a couple of months ago! If you’d like to read it, it’s here. http://asinamirror.com/word-for-wednesday-love-is-a-river
25. May 2010 at 8:24 pm
I have been looking all over the place for this information… I’m sure pleased another person definitely has the answer to this type of straightforward issue. You might have virtually no idea the number of websites I’ve really been to throughout the past hour or so. Regards for that resources