Mustard Seed Thoughts : Kindness to Repentance, Two

I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end.

I Am Found In You by Steven Curtis Chapman

Kindness to Repentance, Two

By: Ron Edmondson Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; Psalm 141:5 NASU

Scripture is full of truth! That truth is full of God’s kindness. God is kind even when He rebukes sin. God’s kindness leads to repentance.

The word “kindness” here is from the original word “checed”, which means an unfailing love. It’s a similar word to the New Testament word “grace”. It is the word to describe God’s loving kindness; His grace to people who are unworthy.

When you and I have and take the opportunity to love those who are unlovable, we will have the opportunity to share with them the grace of God. Someone once said “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”. That’s true. I've seen that even in the discipline of my children. They are more likely to want to obey and respect me if they always know how much I love them.

Recently I heard some people in my own denomination denouncing the movie “The End of the Spear”, based on the true story of missionaries to the Amazon who were killed trying to share the Gospel. I saw the movie and I wholeheartedly recommend it. I was moved to tears watching the sacrifice some are willing to make for the spreading of the Gospel. You’ll fall in love with mission work and have a greater heart for people. The movie was denounced because the lead character is gay. My question about that denouncement is this: how effective will those who denounce the movie be now at reaching the gay community for Christ? Are they likely to even listen to our Gospel when they don’t even think we like them as people?

Again, I understand I may be stirring some anger among God’s people with my comments. I’m not advocating acceptance of homosexuality. I am advocating that we consider using God’s approach to reach people.

God’s kindness leads to repentance. Shouldn’t ours?

SPECIAL NOTE: Check out my new Internet friend's ministry at www.his-grace.org and consider helping his work.

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