Fields United Methodist Church

September 17, 2020

 

“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world may be saved through him.” John 3:17

More than anything in the world, God wants an eternal relationship with you, right now, this very minute! God’s Son Jesus proclaimed the Good News of God’s grace, was rejected by those who felt they were in charge rather than God. But God had the last word and that Word came through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In a world that seems to want to condemn a whole lot of people, there is Jesus who wants nothing more than to offer you something holy, eternal, and grace-filled; a relationship in the bond of peace, love, hope and joy with the One who came not to condemn you but to save you from condemnation. The only requirement is that you repent, turn back to Jesus by casting off those things that keep you from a relationship not only with Jesus but with others; in other words, to live a life free from the burden of sin while loving God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and loving your neighbor. So imagine a relationship that one person sees the other as hate-filled, condemning, judgmental, and the cause of everything that is bad in the world; this would be a relationship destined to fail. Yet Jesus says, I have come wanting only the best for you, offering a bond of grace, all you need to do is repent, and accept the transformed life available to all who believe. Jesus is not asking you to fill out a check list to see just how bad you are, rather calls for you to come as you are and be transformed by grace. Funny thing about an abiding relationship with Jesus, all other relationships will be blessed as well. Jesus says, “love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” We are called to commend all people to the love of God in Christ Jesus, rather than condemn those with whom we disagree. Relationships built on a foundation of the love of Jesus are ones that will endure. Turn back to Jesus, and you will be blessed as you will be a blessing to others.

 

Rev. Tom Joyce