Being graceful in an angry world

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Bluesky
• Share on X
• Copy Link

The increasing negativity of our world deeply affects us and how believers are perceived and how living in and by faith impacts those around us.

2024 Investigation

Trial date set for Red Deer man charged in organized auto theft and re-vinning operation

32m ago

Alberta Labour Force Stats

Red Deer region unemployment rate decreases for second straight month

1h ago

last seen august 5

Missing: Caleb Mathison, 14, of Red Deer

15h ago

Our reality is not unlike the world Jesus lived in.

Distrust of the Romans was pre-eminent, and a constant cultural clash divided the Jewish world just as we are divided today.

Just how did Jesus instruct his believers to respond and how should we both give a response to those around us? What should people really see when you and I encounter deep hopeless and lost people?

When Jesus met the women caught in adultery and the pharisees were about to stone her, he silenced them with a single question. “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” Further, he sat beside the woman and waited as they left one by one. He said one powerful thing. “Go away and sin no more.” (John 8:1-11)

In Luke 23:39-43, we also read:

“One of the criminals hanging there covered him with abuse, and said, “Aren’t you Christ? Why don’t you save yourself—and us?” But the other one checked him with the words, “Aren’t you afraid of God even when you’re getting the same punishment as he is? And it’s fair enough for us, for we’ve only got what we deserve, but this man never did anything wrong in his life.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And Jesus answered, “I tell you truly, this day you will be with me in paradise.”

We are not so kind, look at Facebook, Twitter and X and read the vitriol that accompanies posts, the sheer hate that resonates towards those who hold unpopular, moral, biblical standards. Legal decisions eject moral stands on all fronts while good people are punished for holding and executing them.

It was not so long ago that our world fractured, families broke up over conflict, businesses shut down as markets fell apart and anger/punishment was meted out without mercy. Interpersonal communication skills collapsed and more importantly, the expectation that reasonable people could have discussions on difficult topics without conflict was abandoned. Hurt feelings replaced personal accountability while public tolerance of unpopular opinions decreased.

Simmered down, unforgiveness, bitterness, judgement, pride…SIN.

John 1:16-17 says it best.

“From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

His response to sin in our lives, to our bad attitudes, to our weaknesses, to our callous and careless treatment of His people, Grace upon grace. Forgiveness. New life. Salvation. Truth.

Go and do the same.

Amen.

We are all made in God’s image.

How can we treat cruelly those we do not agree with, when we are told to:

Forgive those who have trespassed against us.

Rebuke in love.

Do not enter into controversies

There is only 1 truth, Jesus (the way the truth and the life)

When we debate topics not related to the gospel, at best we are negotiating opinions without verification.

God’s truth leads to love. Mans’ objective truth leads to conflict.

In all ways possible, pursue peace unless there is no option.

God is in control. John 1: 16. From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.

17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s sidee has made Him known.

—

EDITOR’S NOTE: The views expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Pattison Media. Column/op-ed suggestions and letters to the editor can be sent to news@rdnewsNOW.com.