It was the end of a group meeting. It’s where we pray for each other and go home.
The study for the day was the part of Ephesian 4 where Paul is describing Christian life. About speaking the truth in gentleness and love. About focusing on others.
Then out of nowhere someone erupts in anger, “The church is going to hell. It accepts homosexuals.”
I thought, “Huh? Where did that come from?”
Well, it came from the depths of the things he dwells his thoughts in. He’d never admit hatred, but the tone of his voice betrayed him.
It was a shocking end to a study of grace.
It just shows the distance between your head and your heart. You can “learn” things but it may not change your heart.
I was affected by John Fischer’s latest Catch newsletter:
This is an important part of receiving from God; it changes us. You can’t receive God’s grace without giving it out to others. You can’t receive what you don’t deserve and then go out and make everyone else pay.
I know it’s hard to live a life full of grace. And it’s hard to offer grace to other people. And I know that anger is an honest emotion. But anger also often betrays the condition of our heart. It reveals insecurities, prejudices, ignorance.
Those are the moments when I am grieved. What hope is there when people who receive grace refuse to give it on to someone else.
And, wow, our society could use a big dose of grace right now! From everyone.
Tags: anger, Love, Relationship
Faith Venture 
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