Lacking God's Love And Grace

When I became born-again, you would think God’s love and grace would have flowed out of me in droves, especially to those closest to me who were lost as I had been.  But they did not.

Having lived under religious bondage for two decades trying to “work my way” to heaven, my newfound freedom in Christ roused righteous indignation toward the religious system I had been delivered from.  Unfortunately, in my ignorance of God’s Word and misunderstanding of Jesus’ love toward sinners, I turned my anger and resentment toward those still trapped by those religious systems – including my family members whom I loved.

My condemnation over their sins and self-righteous accusations over what I viewed as “godless behavior” was anything but representative of God’s love and grace.  I treated them like “tax collectors and sinners,” which turned them completely off toward my newfound faith in Jesus.

It took years for Jesus to change my heart and attitude toward those bound in sin.  As I read His Word regularly, spent time talking (and listening) to Him, and allowed the Holy Spirit to do a transforming work in me as I surrendered to Him daily – I found myself becoming more Christlike and gracious toward others.

I wish I could say I never struggle with my sinful nature that wants to condemn instead of love.  But the longer I walk with Jesus and the older I get, the more my heart of compassion rises to the top and grieves for those who need to know Jesus loves and died for them.

What about you? Do you struggle with showing God’s love to others?