As I read Ephesians 2 this morning, I was overtaken by the love and compassion of God. Paul is addressing the Gentiles, and he clearly revealed the heart of the Jews who were “Circumcised in the flesh but not in their hearts” and how they considered the Gentiles as “uncircumcised heathens.” The pride of their religious affiliation made them look down upon a group of people who had not yet been invited into the family of God. This is the religious spirit I mentioned last week.
Are we ever guilty of forgetting that we, too, were once like the “uncircumcised heathens” who had not yet been invited into God’s family? Yet God, in His great love and mercy, gave us the invitation to become children of God. So, if we have a lack of love for the unsaved, is that not a characteristic of our own uncircumcised hearts? My friend, Naomi Dowdy, calls all unsaved people “Pre-believers” who have not yet answered the invitation. Does our indifference or lack of love turn off the pre-believer from wanting to follow our great God? Does our system of rules and regulations scare them away? Do we require more than God requires of those who do not yet know Him? Or, do we give more than God would give, trying to create our own system of salvation for the pre-believer and ultimately leading them further away?
God’s Spirit must lead our hearts. We are not to be foolish and do more or less than God would do for those yet to believe. But we should always show kindness toward a world filled with chaos, confusion, and pain. We must remember that God’s love, agape love, is a love that will always do what is in a person’s best interest. A Pastor friend of mine had a couple recently who wanted to join their church, but they were told no because they were living together and not married. They were putting off the marriage for all the wrong worldly reasons and didn’t understand why they should be denied entry into the church, but the church stood firm in its decision, loving and ministering to the couple in accordance with God’s Word. The couple decided to get married, and they are very happy they did. They realized their reasons were worldly and that God was not pleased. Do we understand that many are not taught the truth and live by the world’s standard because that is all they know?
So, we walk in love without compromising God’s Word. Our standard must be His standard, and as we remain close to God, we understand His love for others. God is an uncompromising God, and He will not compromise on His love for all people. He will not compromise on opening the door for those who want to receive His love and sacrifice, Jesus. He will not compromise on mercy and grace to those who stumble or fall along the way. He sees the heart, and He understands the struggles. It is the religious and rebellious heart that He will not tolerate.
So, as we walk into this beautiful Thanksgiving season, let’s not be afraid to show God’s love. Our kindness will open a door for someone who needs Jesus.
