Matthew 10:7-8
New King James Version (NKJV)
7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead,[a]cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
Today I want to say that I am saddened by Christians who have turned God's grace into something that must be earned. I have encountered in the past couple of years a number of Christians who stand in judgment of other believers who have not yet received the full knowledge of Christ, and live still somewhat in the world. They should be embracing their brothers and showing them the truth behind salvation. They are weighing them down with burdens they can't carry without the grace of God. Plainly they are saying “Change and then come to God.” When they should be saying “Come to God and he will change you. “You will never be the same again.” They are not saying “Jesus loves you, but he doesn't love your sin.” or “If you choose to seek him first then he will change you from the inside out.” These Christians are causing separation from God. It reminds me of the Pharisees and the scribes. I find it very disturbing and I want all to know that God sent Jesus to die for our sins because he knew we would never be able to come out from under the bondage of sin without his son's sacrifice. If there are Christians out there that don't understand that God is seeking these types of people. He wants them just as they are to come to him. He wants to put them in his arms and give them his love and healing. He wants them to feel safe and secure and whole finally. Then he will deliver them from those things in their life that are unpleasing to him. Because of our gratitude and love for him we are willing to lay down our sin at his feet and receive his forgiveness. This is how God wants it. He wants it given of our own free will because we love him. This can only happen when we know the love of God for ourselves. Not because someone says to us “Hey you are a sinner and need to stop sinning” But because God says to us “ I love you my son/daughter give me your heart.” When we have freely received from God all his goodness, he wants us to give it to others freely as well. Thank God for his Loving Kindness that leads us to repentance and For his Grace (his unmerited favor). Amen!
