Tenderness

The Three Minute Grandparent: Tenderness
Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven. (The Message Bible, Jude 22-23)
As Followers of Jesus, we are to be His representatives on earth, loving people and pointing them to Jesus as the author of our Salvation.  Being “tender with sinners” is asking me to love the sinner, show mercy to someone who is on a destructive path and definitely not pass condemning judgment on the person.  As a believer, I am free to love the sinner and hate the sin.  Jesus loved the woman caught in the sin of adultery but she admonished her to “leave her life of sin.”  You may be asked, “Who are you to say such and such is sin?” Who?  “I am a child of Jesus, and I love you.  I do not need to condemn you but am called to love you.  That’s who I am.”  We live in the age of grace, so let’s give grace to others; the time is coming when that age will be over.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Thanks
August 11, 2013 at 10:24 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Three Minute Grandparent: Feeling Rich

Image
“I feel like a rich man,” said one of the characters in the movie Courageous.   Habiere, gazing into the mirror and admiring his new suit, made the comment.   His wife commented, “You are a rich man; you have a strong faith with children that love you and a wife who adores you.”   What more could a man or grandfather want?   So much in life is fleeting or even false, yet to have someone who loves and cares for you is one of life’s treasures.   A strong faith comes from loving and being loved by the God of the universe.   As a husband for 39 years, a father for almost 35 and a grandfather for 2 ½ years, I can say that I am blessed beyond measure.   My faith began as a child in my parent’s home, observing their faith and wanting it, too.   My own relationship with Jesus began at age 12 and continues to grow.   I continue to find that I am a rich man, not in money, but in relationships; learning more about my loving wife each day and lovi...
Read more
The Three Minute Grandparent: Automated Phone Systems “Thanks for calling the Busy Bank Automated Phone System.  For the loan department, press 1; for deposits, press 2; for withdrawals, press 3, for your current balance, press 4, to actually speak to a live person, press 5.”  We all love these automated systems and we get them every day.  Most of us press 0 repeatedly trying to get to a live person…like that is going to happen!  Can you imagine this system being used by a family?  “Thanks for calling the happy Smith Family, to speak to Mom, press 1, to speak to Dad, press 2; to speak to Junior, press 3; to speak to Sally, press 4; to speak to Fido, Oh never mind, just come on over.”  This Grandpa began to wonder about the possibilities of use with a busy Mother and 4 children, perhaps this is how it would work.  “Thanks for calling Mom, for help with homework, press 1; for medical help, press 2; for dinner and snack inquiries, press 3; for a hug o...
Read more

Traveling to Glacier Park

Missoula to Glacier National Park...a short drive...well, it is actually 150 miles or so.  The drive is lovely with sights of mountains, lakes, colorful trees among which are cherry and maple, and time in the car with family.  We made such a trip yesterday and had a great time. Our drive was in and out of rain showers as we passed Evaro Hill, the Mission Mountains, Flathead Lake,  thousands of Flathead Cherry trees and the scenery on the East side of Flathead Lake.  The drive...ahhhhh, the drive.  It is always lovely and relaxing...well,.... as relaxing as driving will allow.  The Montana scenery is always worth the drive, however, the fun was inside our car.  Our oldest son, Sam and our Daughter-in-Law, Ashley were with us as we drove.  As confirmed empty-nesters, we are thrilled when family comes to town.  Both were with us for the visit to Glacier Park....and we had fun!  Several hours in the car are sufficient to catch up with grown ...
Read more