Ashley Thaba
Ask God for wisdom
Growing up we learned this verse. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 Interestingly, there was never much focus on the verse afterwards which I believe is of equal importance.
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17
Who doesn’t know John 3:16? Verse 17 is not so popular; however, I think it is so powerful as it states Jesus didn’t come to condemn us but to save us. A statement in another chapter of John really stood out at me recently. John 1:14 states that Jesus was full of grace and truth.
It is no secret our world is polarised. We have those who are so full of “grace” that they accept everyone, overlook everything and stand for nothing. Their mantra is let’s not offend anyone because God is a God of grace and love. On the opposite extreme stands the legalist beating their Bible and pushing their religion down people’s throats because people must know the truth! They judge others, are quick to point out faults and act in a self-righteous arrogant manner.
Which one is correct? Somehow Jesus models something radical — He was full of both grace and truth. What does this mean? He didn’t water down the gospel. He didn’t sugar coat the truth or lower His standards but he didn’t come to condemn people. He came to save them. How does this work? When we share the unfiltered raw gospel message which tells people they are a sinner, what if that exposes their sins and make them feel a sense of guilt that makes us and them feel uncomfortable? If we teach God’s word and it highlights to someone that they are actually living in a way that is opposed to the standards of the Bible, we could get labeled as pushy or judgmental. It doesn’t bode well in our “politically correct” world. Shouldn’t we rather just love on them and keep what we believe to be the Truth to ourselves?
Jesus gives us example after example of preaching a truth that is almost impossible to follow because he refuses to lower His standards. He knows the way to the best life. “You have heard it say don’t commit adultery- I am going to go farther and say don’t even look lustfully at a woman..” “You have heard it said an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. I tell you if someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them your other cheek.” He speaks full of truth! Hard truths! He sets a high standard because He knows the actions which will lead to an abundant life. But then, when the woman is caught in adultery in John 8, when he has a chance to really teach and illustrate this truth, He is full of grace. Instead of condemning her, he models love, compassion and grace and releases her from any condemnation.
Let’s follow the example of Jesus. Let’s not water down the truth. That truth is meant to set us free. The Truth is actually an amazing guide and a light to our paths. God’s word offers freedom, peace, wisdom, and whispers about unconditional love into our souls. It is a healing balm which can be a lifeline to heaven when life is full of uncertain trials.
● Read full article on www.newsday.co.zw
● Ashley Thaba is a life-coach, team-building facilitator and motivational speaker. She is also the author of Conquering the Giants and Dive In.