I had a discussion today with a guy that most Christians love to hate. It was the most refreshing and eye-opening discussions I have ever had. He told me about some of the criticism he gets from Christians, and how he just tries to respond with kindness and love.
I have noticed this sort of behavior on many fronts. Those that Christians most loudly denounce are often some of the most gracious people to be around. Doesn’t that seem strange? Those of us who are saved by grace, teach grace, write about grace, proclaim grace, and have “grace” in the names of our churches and ministries, are some of the least gracious people that exist. I am observing this pattern everywhere I go.
Which got me thinking…just like the preacher pounds the pulpit during his weakest points, maybe those who talk loudest about grace are trying to compensate for a lifestyle that lacks grace. Maybe those of us who talk and write a lot about grace should follow the example of non-believers (and Jesus) and start living grace. I’d say that living out grace is a better way to teach grace anyway.
