The gaps of ambiguity
Americans love slogans and simplicity. We like to frame issues in terms of black and
white; people as good or evil. But, life
is not quite that defined. The most admired person among us is flawed. The
noblest deed can be done for the basest of motives. That is one reason I hold
so tightly to the grace of God, shown me in Christ Jesus. Grace fills in the gaps created by life’s
ambiguities! Let me illustrate. A person
visited me who was deeply grieving the tragic loss of a friend. “Is he with
God?” she asked desperately. His story
was a complex one involving addiction and terrible emotional scars from war.
From all outward appearances, he was no saint. I refused to give her a
definitive answer. I am not afraid of
the truth. I am just not God! I do not have the ability to see the whole story of this man’s life, or
honestly, even of my own.
Simplistic thinking that pigeon-holes everyone into some
pre-determined category in our mind destroys relationships. Stereotypes may make life simpler for us, but
they also rob us of the subtle nuances of reality. The Bible says that “love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
We are loved by God, offered grace-based forgiveness. That love should teach
us to love others in the same way – with great grace. But, does it? How many conversations have you had that
refused to give the benefit of the doubt to another? How often have you locked
a person into a prison of preconceptions created by one statement, one act, one
momentary failure that happened years ago?
It’s much simpler to assign that person to the ‘bad’ category, then we
do not have to deal with them. It’s much
easier to write off the difficult people as being ‘beyond redemption,’ and thus
to excuse ourselves from prayer and care. But, is that God’s way?
Nothing breaks God’s heart more than the hatred and our
refusal to love is just that no matter how we dress it up with excuses. Love is
complex and will allow for change, for growth, for development of that other
person. Love is defined as a choice of action, not a passive response. The Word says that "Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been
wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins
out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures
through every circumstance. " (1 Corinthians 13:5-9, NLT)
Some men who refused to see life in shades of gray dragged a
woman to Jesus. They wanted a judgment. “She’s
bad,” they yowled. “Doesn’t she deserve to die?” “Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept
demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, stone her. But
let those who have never sinned throw the first stones!” Then he stooped down
again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this, they slipped away
one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle
of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to her, “Where
are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said.
And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:4-11, NLT) In
his response we are taught about grace that fills in the gaps and love that
lays a foundation for change.
Here’s a word from the Word – one I love because it is my
testimony, too. "Oh, how kind and
gracious the Lord was! He filled me completely with faith and the love of
Christ Jesus. This is a true saying, and everyone should believe it: Christ
Jesus came into the world to save sinners—and I was the worst of them all. But
that is why God had mercy on me, so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime
example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will
realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. Glory and
honor to God forever and ever. He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never
dies; he alone is God. Amen." (1 Timothy 1:14-17, NLT)
__________
Alabaster Box
The room grew still
As she made her way to
Jesus
She stumbles through
the tears
That made her blind
She felt such pain
Some spoke in anger
Heard folks whisper
There's no place here
for her kind
Still on she came
Through the shame that
flushed her face
Until at last she
knelt before His feet
And though she spoke
no words
Ev'rything she said
was heard
And she poured her
love for the Master
From her box of
alabaster
I've come to pour
My praise on Him like oil
From Mary's alabaster
box
Don't be angry
If I wash His feet
with my tears
And I dry them with my
hair
You weren't there the
night He found me
You did not feel what
I felt
When He wrapped His
love all around me
And you don't know the
cost of the oil
In my alabaster box
I can't forget
The way life used to
be
I was a pris'ner
To the sin that had me
bound
I spent my days
Poured my life without
measure
Into a little treasure
box
I thought I found
Until the day when
Jesus came to me
And healed my soul
With the wonder of His
touch
So now I'm giving back
to Him
All the praise He's
worthy of
I've been forgiven and
that's why
I love Him so much
I've come to pour
My praise on Him like
oil
From Mary's alabaster
box
Don't be angry
If I wash His feet
with my tears
And dry them with my
hair
You weren't there when
my Jesus found me
You did not feel what
I felt
When He wrapped His
loving arms around me
And you don't know the
cost of the oil
Oh you don't know the
cost of my praise
You don't know the
cost of the oil
In my alabaster box
CCLI Song # 2825962
Janice Lyn Sjostrand
© 2004 Little Pooky's Music (Admin. by Pure Psalms Music,
Inc.)
CCLI License # 810055
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