Grace in the Mess
There was once a group of people who
wanted to help by giving men under the bridge winter clothes and other such
stuff. But when they heard some were drinking and the older
one chose to stay there, they pulled their things back and didn't want to
help. . .and they didn't.
"If you judge people, you have no time to
love them." Mother Teresa
My insides cringed at this. Do
we only help and share the love of Christ with only those who have their
"act together". How many of those are out there even in the
church? Do we only help and love those who have all their issues fixed
and addictions cured and sins forgiven. Are not these the ones who need
it most?
"By judging others we blind ourselves to our
own evil and to the grace which others are just entitiled to as we
are." Bonhoeffer
I am friends with a registered sex
offender. . .a one time felony long ago that he paid for and repented
of. When I met him he was newly homeless and scared and didn't want to
tell me for awhile. We talked for about an hour and then he shared his
past. I didn't react with horror. I just asked questions and I
listened. I shared about the love of God and forgiveness. He wasn't
sure. Over the next several months, God began dealing with him and
brought a few others to him that began a bible study and then began taking him
to church. I continued to be his friend along with my husband.
Love me most when I deserve it least~Swedish proverb
Several March’s ago, my friend
rededicated his life to the Lord and has been faithful ever since. My
husband and I could even see a change in his body language, his demeanor, his
face.
What if people had left the minute
they knew about him. Most of them do. But the few who stayed, God
worked through to reach our friend and now he and we know for sure the address
of his permanent home.
Grace was shown on a cross on a hill. Don't you know it was
messy? Messy with blood and thorns and the ugliness and mess of sins
of the whole world. But our Savior, our Jesus, our Christ, our Lord, stepped
into the mess and poured out grace and love. He didn't turn his back
on me and I for one, have been changed. Have you? Are you grateful?
Enough to step into the mess?
"Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely
and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be
ashamed or slow to do the humble work."
Mother Teresa
Dear Lord,
I pray
for all who step into the messes whether that be in Africa ,
under the bridge, or in our own homes. All places are filled with people who
need your love and encouragement. Fill the steppers with strength
and courage and love that looks past the mess and sees the beauty of your
creation. May you give all these precious ones the discernment and
wisdom to know the what, the where and the how and that we may not always
know the why but we know the One who does. . . You, and that is enough.
May we all just trust and obey and love and serve and leave the rest up to you.
Thank
you Father for stepping into the messes.
Thank
you for bringing beauty out of the messes.
Thank
you for not leaving me in the mess.
In
Jesus Name,
Amen
4 comments:
Totally awesome. Congrats my sweet friend.
Thank you for your words that bring truth to me and others. Our daughter lives with us. Eight years ago she joined the Navy. She came home a few weeks later, from being hurt during training. Long story. She has no place to go. She is working a temp job, praying she gets a job soon that's permanent, in her career field. Even though it would be nice for her to be on her own and us finally empty nested again, she lives here. A roof. Loved, warm, food, cared for, loves us back. We do what we can for her and for others who are less fortunate. Giving and loving. Thanks again for what you do in the name of Jesus!
Becky, she is blessed to have a loving family who can help and love her while she needs it. Many do not. I will say a prayer for her. . .and for you. Thank you for sharing!
I posted this on my FB page~
Very good~
Post a Comment