After years of being badgered in the name of Jesus, I finally yielded to the stigma that God is selfish with the outpouring of His affection. These blatant "truths" created a fury of doubt and judgment toward peers, church, religion, and God above all others. Why would I believe and trust in a God who chooses NOT to love a person because of their race, gender preference, lifestyle, etc.? I would be condoning prejudice and hate.
For the last month I've been interacting with the youth group of Rejoice Lutheran Church. How I love them and embrace their sweet smiles and creativity. I find myself wishing and praying that they never encounter a bullied theology. May they be protected from the voices of evil, masqueraded as righteous truth. I love nothing more than sitting amidst them, sharing in the stories of their week. I am captivated by their willingness to embrace God and each other.
If I could tell them one thing, it would be that the love and mercy of Jesus is all-encompassing. He does not segregate or moderate His passion and affection. There is nothing you can say or do to remove Him from your life. He is simply there, waiting, longing to be with you...to sit with you and have great conversations. Above all else, God so LOVED.
Amen! So true. We, as leaders or friends, can only protect people so much and when someone comes up that has been damaged is when we see how much Love can do when pointed directly at hurt and pain. We both know a thing or two about that. : )
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