I read this, again, today and wanted to share it. I am indebted to Gravity Leadership for this Biblical gem.
When God speaks, he doesn’t pile on the guilt. He leads out with kindness and he proclaims good news.
“Do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness in intended to lead you to repentance” (Romans 2:4)
It’s the kindness of the Lord that leads to repentance. Not fear. Not guilt. Not shame. If you are ever being motivated by the levers of fear, guilt, and shame, it’s a good indicator it’s not from God.
Mac McCarthy
Perhaps you need this good news. But, perhaps you’re not sure if you can believe it. Do you remember this story of the young ruler? This takes 30 seconds, read it with me.
As Jesus started on his, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good-except God alone. You know the commandments: “You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.'”
“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Mark 10:17-22 (NIV)
“Jesus looked at him and loved him.” Did you notice? No guilt, no shame, no should haves, or shouldn’t haves. He loved him and invited him to follow.
There is an accuser, but it is not God, it is Satan. If someone is accusing you, shaming you, should-ing you, its a pretty good guess they were not sent by God to do that. If Jesus leads with kindness, shouldn’t we?
Now, what is Jesus asking you to do? It may be hard, like selling everything you have, but that’s only to make it possible for you to accept His invitation to follow.
“Jesus loved him.” Jesus loves you. Accept the good news.