Even with all I wrote in that first paragraph (which is truly my heart), I sometimes want to extend grace to some while internally believing some people just aren't worthy of "MY God's" grace. How selfish is that?! I never want to admit this but it became a reality last night when my husband asked me to watch a video. The video was a testimony from a guy I knew in college. This was that ONE guy that I truly did not like. He never did anything to me personally but I noticed how he treated people and it rubbed me the wrong way. As soon as I saw the guy's name and face I did not want to watch it. My disdain for this guy was that bad. I had no idea what the video was going to be about so I halfheartedly listened. The video documented how his life spiraled out of control during and after college. To my surprise, this guy has made a miraculous change in his life. God worked in this guy's life and sent people to encourage him while in prison. Now he is "all in" serving the Lord in his local community. How Great is our God!!!
I was in utter shock! I'm not sure why I was so shocked because I've seen God do some amazing things in my own life but shock pretty much sums up the emotion I was feeling. As I re-watched the video, my attitude was different. This time I actually listened and had compassion. I realized this guy had bigger issues going on in college than was visible on the outside. I finally saw a human that was hurting. God pulled the veil from over my eyes and showed me that I had been a hypocrite. I can't choose who I think God should extend grace to because he sent His son to save ALL who believe. Something in my heart changed last night. God revealed that part of me that still holds judgment. I'm glad God showed me the error of my ways, and I can move forward proclaiming the good news to those who need to hear it.
God is a God of second, third... infinite chances. God can take you out of that pit and build you up in Christ. I am so amazed at how He will get our attention and call us into a closer relationship with Him and others around us. There is no doubt in my mind that God will use my old college classmate in amazing ways. He wants to use all of us if we are willing. Ask yourself this question, "are you willing to be used for God's glory and to show Christ to hurting people around you?" I pray you will go and be the light in our world.
I'll leave you with a clip of the video "Jesus, Friend of Sinners". It pretty much sums up our call to the world.
In Christ,
Alissa
