We’ve all been there, looking at someone behaving in a way we never would, and sneakily the voice of judgement comes in: “What are they even thinking? How could they do such a thing?” And before we know it, we’ve given that voice a place in our hearts—opened a door for it to breed hate and self-righteousness in our hearts. It saddens me to think about the ways that even I have partnered with the religious spirit in this way. Today I want to take some time to address the root of this judgement and let Holy Spirit breathe freedom over us. Judgement doesn’t do anybody good, and it’s for sure not the way Jesus intended for us to live.
WHAT THE CROSS DID FOR THE WORLD, NOT JUST CHRISTIANS
Check out today’s Flashback Friday video for more:
In a nutshell:
• In the new covenant, we are commanded to love our enemies.
• When Jesus died on the cross He fulfilled justice, so now He can extend mercy
• Jesus didn’t just die for you; He also died as You. You are hidden in Christ so you are judged by His works, not your own. This is the new covenant!
• The core reason why we take communion is to remember which side of the cross we live on. We have to remind ourselves that we live in the new covenant.
• There’s a difference between mercy and grace. Mercy means “you didn’t get what you deserved.” For example, if you’re speeding and get pulled over, and don’t get a ticket, that’s mercy. Grace means “you got what you didn’t deserve.” So for example, if you get pulled over for speeding and the cop gives you $1,000.00, that’s grace.
• God gave us heaven, seated us in heavenly places when we really deserved judgement. We received mercy and grace in Christ.
• God so loved THE WORLD that He gave His only Son. The cross didn’t just change God’s perspective on Christians, it allowed God’s perspective on humanity to change. Jesus didn’t just die for Christians; He died for the world.
• The next time you look at a person, or city, and say they deserve to be punished, remember, (in the old covenant) so did you.
MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGEMENT
So how can you take the mercy that’s been so lavishly poured out on you and extend it to all of those around you? I think it’s time we all start to live in the fullness of the new covenant, casting aside temptations to judge and punish, when the reality is that we too deserve punishment. What a beautiful gift the cross is! It has to start with realizing what the power of the cross means for us individually. Because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, you are now extended powerful mercy and lavish grace!
Let’s fully take in the gift of grace and stand in it for those who don’t yet know its power. Let mercy be on our lips as we speak of places and people groups who have yet to call on the name of Jesus!
Lord, forgive us of any ways that we’ve chosen an old covenant mindset when looking at the world. Help us to love the world with Your heart, and let us be conduits for the mercy You poured out on the cross!
Is it easy for you to look at cities or nations that aren’t Christian and still pour out mercy (even in your thought life)? Tell me about it in the comments!
