Acceptance

Brennan Manning in his book The Ragamuffin Gospel says this:

Something is radically wrong when the local church rejects a person accepted by Jesus: when a harsh, judgemental and unforgiving sentence is passed on homosexuals; when a divorcee is denied communion; when the child of a prostitute is refused baptism; when an unlaicized priest is forbidden the sacrements. Jesus comes to the ungodly, even on Sunday morning. His coming ends ungodliness and makes us worthy.

As i read this i felt convicted, so often in our own lives and as members of the wider church we judge, condemn, look down upon people who have sinned in very obvious ways. Then I stop and think! Who am I to judge? All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God Romans 3 vs 23

There is only one who can judge from a pure heart, that is Jesus and he sets the example by showing love, compassion, kindness and grace. We will one day stand before that throne of judgement. But until that day lets try and look at people through the eyes of Christ. Lets be true witnesses of Christ in the things we do, say and even think! Who are we to judge!