Love them to Jesus

I've been in the middle of several conversations of late about how 'Christians' should behave. Most of these conversations have been either with non-believers or with believers who do not rely on the truth of Scripture. It seems that the pendulum swings too far one direction or the other. For some, they feel that 'Christians' are too strict and judgemental. For others, they believe that some 'Christians' aren't harsh enough with sin and therefore couldn't possibly be walking closely with Jesus. Frankly, I'm tired of both extremes. Yet, I can find myself camping out in either place.

Yesterday, my pastor spoke of zeal and passion in this Christian life. I've been lacking sorely in both. However, I think I'm finding my voice. I want to love people to Jesus. Yes, God is a Holy and Just God. Yes, He hates sin because it separates us from Him. Yes, He wants us reconcilled to Himself and without Jesus Christ, we won't be. And Yes, He loves us so much that He willingly did for me what I couldn't do for myself. He reached down, pulled me out of the muck and mire of my sinful life and He saved me. He loves me so much that He also corrects me when I error...but always with grace, mercy, love, compassion ~ as any good parent would do. I want to passionately embrace that kind of existence... to abound with love, mercy, grace, compassion on those around me. I want them to be attracted to the Jesus I know... the lover of my soul. I want them to know that there is NO sin that He can't save them from. I want them to know that He takes them right where there are...they don't have to get their act together before coming to Him. I want to love people to Jesus.

Grace and Love
Kutless

Many things in life are hard for me
Many things can pull us down
I don't understand why I do what I do
How could I take my eyes off you
After all You've done for me
And after all You've done for me

It's by Your grace and love I am saved
It's by Your grace and love You've forgiven me, hey
And by that love and grace, I'm amazed
It's by Your grace and love I am free
I am free

And it's by grace and love that I am free
I'll live with you eternally
I thank you Lord that I am free
I thank you Lord for loving me
I thank you Lord for dying upon the tree of Calvary
I thank you Lord for loving me
I thank you Lord for dying for me

Because it's by grace and love I am saved
It's by Your grace and love You've forgiven me, hey
And by that love and grace, I'm amazed
It's by Your grace and love I am free
I am free

Many things in life are hard for me
But by grace and love You've forgiven me
And by grace and love we are free