or does...
Your life as a Christian confirm why nonbelievers question their disbelief in God?
Many question their own belief in God, due to the way they have been judge, treated, and handled by "Christians".Then they react and make decisions based on the hurt, scars, insecurities, and doubts created in their hearts. Finding substitutes, they begin to fill the empty places of their heart with the intent to block out the pain. And begin to distance themselves from those "Christians". Haven't I done the same?
My mind and heart races to the many pages filled with how Christ loved, invited, and challenge here on earth. Story after story tells of a man who touched the untouchable and loved the unlovable. Those who would never step into a "church," those he embraced (Zacchaues - Luke 9:1-10). Those who felt dirty and labeled the "sinner," the "rebel," or those "people," those were the ones Jesus was drawn to most (woman caught in adultery - John 8:1- 11). Its as if I can almost hear Christ say to the women, "Where are your accusers? Who has condemned you? I do not condemn you, go and sin no more." Can you imagine at your most ugly, at your most low moment - Christ says to you...I do not condemn you. My heart is overwhelmed by that type of grace, love, and forgiveness.
Yet, my heart breaks for we who claim to be Christians and yet do not love. Do not give grace. Do not forgive.
Love is of many things. It is what is kind, patient, never envying, boasting, it is not rude or insisting on its own way. It is what rejoices with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. It is what never ends.
Those around you know your life in Christ by the way you love and by the fruit you bear. In so many words, Christ said, hey there is a new way we will be living! A new commandment. Love one another: just as I have loved you. When you do this people will noticed, be changed, and experience why I came. (John 13:34-35).
That is what love is like.
