If you were in a room that was pitch dark and only a tiny speck of light was peeking through, wouldn’t you be fixated on that one speck of light than on the darkness that surrounds you? In each person there is, I believe, that one speck of light hiding in the depths of their souls. Even if their entire life is filled with sin and evil, don’t you think there is a chance that they may have an ounce if not more, light and goodness buried in their hearts somewhere. In the Gospels, many times Jesus did what no other Jew had done, He talked and ate with sinners and treated them like his own. He took the time to talk with them and be there for them like no other. That goes to show that Father saw good in them, and knew that they would turn away from their wrong doings, not because Father was forceful and condemning, but because He loved them unconditionally and He showed this to each and every one of them. He wasn’t afraid of their sin or what they have done, but expressed by his actions that nothing else mattered but how much he loved them. I want to be like that, I want to shine light on the good in every person and not allow their sin or things they do to get in the way of putting forth light on the good that is in their hearts. In this day and age, we are so fast to judge and put forth speculation on what their heart is made up of when we don’t even know them. If I am a disciple and called to bring people to Jesus, I wouldn’t get very far by conjuring and pushing people to God by putting utter fear in their hearts and manipulating them to come to Jesus… Fear is not the tool that Father uses to draw us closer to Him. It is out of pure and unconditional love that draws us closer to Him. He uses the power of love that points out the good that we have in our hearts and always acknowledges that we are good in the worst of situations that we may find ourselves in. Never does He use guilt and manipulation to bring us to repentance. I want to find that speck of light in everyone’s heart, even if it is hard to find.
Posts
6 comments:
I disagree to a certain extent with your thoughts. Jesus ate and spent time with sinners but it was because he loved them (and us) and had chosen them, not because he found light in them or found them worthy. He found us worth it and called us cherished and valued but not because of any good he found in us.
Scripture says that our hearts are dark without the presence of Jesus and that He himself is the light that comes in to illuminate the darkness. (1 Cor. 4:6 is one example, "For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." Also read John 1:9, John 3:19, John 8:12, John 12:46, Acts 26:17-19, Ephesians 5:8, 1 Peter 2:9, 2 Peter 1:19.)
There's probably more but these scriptures indicate that we are living in darkness until the living embodiment of Light - Jesus - comes in.
Jesus pursued us, not to punished us or shame us or frighten us into repenting but simply because he wants us to share with Him in all goodness, light and life and I think he calls us to do the same, just as you have expressed and I agree with you there. I also want to bring His light to people and in situations and to love like He loves. However, I think that we are called to love and go after anyone he directs our attention toward whether or not there is any glimmer of light or goodness in them or in their lives. I think we would limit Him and not seek after some that he would send us to if we're looking for a sign of even a speck of goodness in them before we're willing to pursue them. Plus that, over and over in scripture we're told that it isn't because of any goodness in any of us that we are saved. Only He knows who will respond to His call and receive His light in their hearts.
Nicole,
Absolutely beautiful.
Blessings,
~Amy :)
http://amyiswalkinginthespirit.blogspot.com
I see, love what you're saying here. Your heart is good... wanting to love and focus on what is good, it's pure in this : ) I love that about you : ) You're a sweet-heart and I love you.
Maybe Jesus enjoyed "sinners" because they were humble and not stuffy and proud like most of the religious leaders. Like you said... he "knew they would turn from their wrong doings." These folks knew they were sinners, while the Pharisee's thought they were so righteous... (not that Jesus didn't love them too. They just weren't fun to be around!)
Great post, sis-
Hey Nicole ~ you've been remodeling I see :) This was such a great post, a hearty Amen!!
Now I do have a practical something to ask you would you mind emailing me, I can't go through the email thingy on the blogs it doesn't work for me, so I can't even see what your email is......(it's regarding a blessing for someone else!!)
lgrewell@gmail.com
LOVE that!!
What a fantastic visual I now have when I try to understand true love of everybody.
Thanks!!
birkin bag, north face outlet, p90x, nfl jerseys, valentino shoes, canada goose uk, lululemon outlet, vans shoes, ugg pas cher, mac cosmetics, canada goose, bottega veneta, herve leger, soccer jerseys, soccer shoes, abercrombie and fitch, insanity workout, celine handbags, canada goose, canada goose outlet, nike roshe run, mont blanc, marc jacobs, ugg boots clearance, instyler, ugg australia, moncler outlet, chi flat iron, uggs outlet, beats by dre, ugg boots, canada goose jackets, new balance shoes, ghd, canada goose, uggs, reebok outlet, mcm handbags, asics running shoes, ugg, hollister, north face jackets, ugg boots, ferragamo shoes, moncler, giuseppe zanotti, wedding dresses, babyliss pro, jimmy choo outlet, rolex watches
Post a Comment