I was volunteering at church when I was approached by a woman. She had filled out one of our connection cards and I could tell she was a little teary. She commented that it was difficult to fill in her information because we have a specific section for "her" info and another place to put "his" info. Being newly divorced, this was extremely uncomfortable for her. She told me it was tough to fill out. She is new to the area and checking out churches. A friend suggested ours and she decided to check us out. Her church experience had been disheartening up until this point. She mentioned when others found out she was divorced they would treat her like she was "trashy" (her words). She said that word and tears immediately filled her eyes and my heart broke for her.
Sometimes in sports, when a player sets a record he may have an asterisk next to his name and his record. This could be because he wasn't fully qualified to defeat the previous record. While he did hold the best stat, something helped him or got in the way.
Oftentimes, we do this to people who walk through our church doors.
You can come, but you can't be divorced.
Our doors are opened, but you can't have an addiction.
You are struggling with a sexual sin? Sorry. Get that taken care of and come back when you are clean.
We could go on but it isn't necessary. You get the point. We have certain "sins" that are unacceptable in our House of Worship. It doesn't matter that we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Our sin isn't as bad as theirs so we are good. There is an asterisk next to their name.
I think we forget that Jesus came for ALL. He didn't require us to get ourselves together before he could love us. Our salvation isn't dangling on a fishing line mocking us until we get that sin under control. No. He came for all while we were still a mess. No asterisk necessary.
"And he died for ALL, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." 2 Corinthians 5:15 (emphasis mine)
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 (emphasis mine)
We have got to stop putting the asterisk next to our names; next to their names. We do it in our actions, in our thoughts, and in the looks we give and we have got to stop. Jesus came for all. Period. No asterisk.
The doors are open. You are welcome in this place. Come. Jesus is waiting. Your name can be written in his book. No asterisk. Just grace.
Love & Blessings,
Meg
Sometimes in sports, when a player sets a record he may have an asterisk next to his name and his record. This could be because he wasn't fully qualified to defeat the previous record. While he did hold the best stat, something helped him or got in the way.
Oftentimes, we do this to people who walk through our church doors.
You can come, but you can't be divorced.
Our doors are opened, but you can't have an addiction.
You are struggling with a sexual sin? Sorry. Get that taken care of and come back when you are clean.
We could go on but it isn't necessary. You get the point. We have certain "sins" that are unacceptable in our House of Worship. It doesn't matter that we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Our sin isn't as bad as theirs so we are good. There is an asterisk next to their name.
I think we forget that Jesus came for ALL. He didn't require us to get ourselves together before he could love us. Our salvation isn't dangling on a fishing line mocking us until we get that sin under control. No. He came for all while we were still a mess. No asterisk necessary.
"And he died for ALL, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." 2 Corinthians 5:15 (emphasis mine)
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 (emphasis mine)
We have got to stop putting the asterisk next to our names; next to their names. We do it in our actions, in our thoughts, and in the looks we give and we have got to stop. Jesus came for all. Period. No asterisk.
The doors are open. You are welcome in this place. Come. Jesus is waiting. Your name can be written in his book. No asterisk. Just grace.
Love & Blessings,
Meg
Comments