Sometimes people forget just how patient the Father is with His children, and even sinners. He already made room for us to grow up in Christ Jesus even before the beginning of time. He knew then what we would face, the thoughts we would have, the decisions we would make, and the things we would do. Nothing takes Him by surprise. Because He knows all things ahead of time, you cannot disappoint Him. Because He loves us, He made provision for all of our failures. Truly, His grace is sufficient for us. It would be safe to say that the vast majority of believers have at least one thing they deeply regret doing. Something that they struggled to let go of, and walk with a clear conscience. More than likely, some of you are still wrestling with your past. God is generous with His mercy and grace. In His mercy, He forgave you. His grace enables you to think differently (repent), and move forward. What does that mean? He wants you to move forward, especially since Jesus paid the price for what took place. You’ve wanted to be free and clear. Well, be free and clear in the Name of Jesus!
2 Peter 3:3-4 Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, 4. and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation” (NASB). We just read that there would scoffers in the last days; even so, 2 Peter also reveals God’s patience with the sinner, and expresses His desire for him or her to repent (see 2 Peter 3:5-9). How patient are you with sinners, especially the ones who mock the Gospel? Do you desire them to repent or burn? It’s easy to want to be right and prove them wrong. “They’ll find out when the time comes!” Is that what we really want for them? Shouldn’t we prefer they come to Jesus, and be saved from the wrath to come? One way to know if you walk in love is by the desire you have for others.
[bctt tweet=”One way to know if you walk in love is by the desire you have for others.”]
Okay, lets get down to it. As Christians, it can be easy to be indignant with those who behave badly, and have less than holy lifestyles. It doesn’t take much to become self-righteous. You know, “They’re going to burn for that,” or perhaps, “He’s going to be held accountable for his actions!” Really? Wouldn’t it be better to throw them a lifeline? When you struggled with sin, you desired mercy. Weren’t you given it? God had compassion on you, and He has compassion for sinners as well. When someone wants someone to pay for their actions, isn’t that a form of unforgiveness?
As you may recall, our struggle is not with flesh and blood (i.e., people); it’s against the spirits behind the corruption (see Ephesians 6:12). People have been ensnared by the devil. They have been trapped by lust. In short, they’re stuck in their sin with no way out apart from Jesus Christ. Does compassion for them rise up in your heart? If not, something is wrong. You cannot say you love God and hate people. It’s not congruent. 1 John 4:20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen (NASB). Beware of bitterness toward others. Jesus was moved by compassion. He recognized people were hurting. Their lifestyles reflected the broken relationship with the Father. Those without God the Father are orphans. They don’t know true love. They need compassion. They need us. They need you!
