Sorrow/Pain vs Rage/Anger

 

Stephanie and I have worked many SECULAR motorcycle events where people are doing so many things that would bring God deep sadness. Many would say, WHY would you even go there? Jesus said:

"Healthy people don't need a doctor -- sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." (Mark 2:17, NLT)

That's the reason and YES, most of them absolutely know they are sinners. I think you would be amazed at how many of them grew up in the church, know at least SOME SCRIPTURE, but realize they are far from God. It is true that many of them don't know how to get back to the Father, but sadly, many of them don't even desire to come back. We are CALLED to go to them because they won't come to us. 

I was thinking of people that are far from God when I was reading Ephesians 4 this morning. 

"If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 

And don't bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, thenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:28-32, NLT)

When Stephanie and I have worked these "godless" events we are often filled with sadness toward the people there. Yet, I see other followers of Jesus express rage, anger, and hate for people that are far from God. They do everything they can to avoid any interaction with the "heathen." They blast them on social media and they cut them down whenever they get the chance. Is that how God feels?

I don't think so. This scripture says that God is filled with sorrow toward them and how they live. Stephanie and I are also drawn to them and we feel God calls us to love them out of his sorrow and pain. How are we ever going to disciple them if we only hold hate and contempt for them? 

Just a thought!