Sometimes it does not matter how right we are. We can have 100% clarity on the objective truth, be skilled at asserting that truth, have a thousand voices saying amen to that truth and, yet, still be completely wrong. While seeking to welcome the unenlightened masses to the Light of the Gospel we could potentially cause the reverse effect of repulsing them and motivating them to flee what they hear concerning Jesus Christ. How could this be? Another man explained it very simply:
“Biblical orthodoxy without compassion is surely the ugliest thing in the world.” – Francis Schaeffer
Compassion must always be the counterbalance to truth; without it, truth can feel like a brick in the forehead or an anvil upon the toe. Most of us tend to lean one way more than another toward one of the many components of the Gospel. Some will focus more on the truth that all humans are sinners while another may highlight consistently the forgiving grace and constant love of God. One Christian woman could have her heart strongly attentive to the agonies of the cross while her girlfriend easily focuses on the glories of the empty tomb. A missionary in Africa might spend decades ministering to children afflicted with HIV while another missionary in his same sending agency goes to the Philippines to build schools of theology. We all have our own bend when it comes to the comprehensive message of Christ and there is nothing wrong with that. However, let none of us lean away from compassion.
Your coworker not only needs the message of truth, she needs a messenger of mercy and concern. The fellow in the pew next to you certainly needs to come to repentance and make a break from his selfish ways but he also needs to believe that a compassionate follower of Christ will hold his trembling hand when that moment of repentance comes. The homosexual not only needs to understand that God abhors his lifestyle, he also must be convinced that God will graciously pardon his sexual sins along with all the others that accompany it. People can never get to Heaven without the Truth. People may never be open to the truth apart from compassion in those who have been entrusted with it.
So we might want to think on this simple question today: When others see my Christianity is it in the form of a smile or a frown? The answer may make a bigger difference than you think.
Lord Jesus was the most compassionate to those sinners who were heartbroken knowing that they were sinners but He was harsh on the selfrightious.It impresses us in your sermons your confession that you were a sinner saved by receiving Lord Jesus.Yes all of us are sinners, no exception, but whosoever receives Jesus is saved.This is our message to sinners rather than looking down upon them.We need more of your sermons either from the pulpit or on your blogs.We need too your prayers.We are constantly praying for you, Amy and the kids,
Sam & Zack.
Our dear Pastor,
How we do admire (as well as David) your way with words. You seem to just be able to say the right things at the right times….a God given ability is a marvelous gift and we are grateful that you are obedient in using that ability to the maximum. Your blessed words at Deborah’s homegoing service were so comforting – even to those who did not know her, except by reputation. Your tenderness shown your sweet Amy as she so honored her blessed Mother’s memory was a blessing to us as well. We do so admire her ability to speak so honesty and tenderly at the Homegoing Service.
Sunday’s message was no less inspiring….and all these events since June 16th have caused growth in you and in us as well. I am sorry it took tragedy to bring this to the forefront in our lives. Bless God for continuing to develop His people who are called by His name. May he continue to attend to all your and Amy’s needs…as well as Alisha and Landon.
“When others see my Christianity is it in the form of a smile or a frown?”
Love? or Legalism? Positive & attractive? or Negative & barren?
As always, brother, you have a way with words that just makes me stop … and think … and bow before the Lord