“We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace” (Eph. 1:7 CEB).
There it is, in black and white, it says, “Our failures.” There is that reads, yes, but…” I find no restrictive language, no exclusion. The Gospel is for everyone, including me. Please read this verse to those who want to keep faith limited to a selected few because it proves them wrong. Jesus included my faith along with everyone else. I am beyond tired of being told the message that my faith is not strong enough simply because of who I am.
If God forgave all our sins, then are we not all equal? Why then do people continue to justify minimalizing others? I cannot find a way through the fog of judgment and condemnation. This idea of one-upmanship contradicts the notion that God moves in kindness and grace. Our actions must immolate Jesus, who respected others and loved with Divine ferociousness. The goal of faith is to offer our highest selves and move to agape, as demonstrated by the One who showed Divine love towards us.
I hope one day to see our church bloom, not because we figured out a secret formula on how to entice people into our doors, but by offering love that indeed is “so amazing, so divine.” We grow because God grows in us. May we take up the mantle of Christ and let our actions overwhelm our judgments. Let holy love inspire us, strengthen us, and lead us on our journey to perfection. Maybe with our eyes focused on first things first, can we lead others to the vast riches of the Most-High God.
From a Pastor's Point of View 