Grace when courts decide
part five of five
This world is not our eternal home. These bodies will waste away. The controversies of the secular world will eventually be forgotten or overtaken by a new dispute over who determines the value of a particular life. If we want to have credibility in our testimony of Jesus, we begin by showing what it means to be a Christ-follower. We love better than anyone in the world. We offer grace first. We remain steadfast in hope as we are sanctified day by day. We demonstrate our faith by our works and in our words to one another (James 2:14–26).
In due time, our patient steadfastness in grace will be rewarded. Even in agreeing to disagree over the nuances of living in this world, we can proclaim the gospel as the first fruits of Jesus and usher in a harvest of glory to God the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change (James 1:17). Everything will be revealed on that glorious day (Luke 8:16–18) and we will live in the light of Jesus forever.
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it received the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand… Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
I hope this short series proves to be helpful for those of us who claim to be Jesus-followers as we navigate the perilous waters of controversial topics with grace, respect, and love, especially among our sisters and brothers in the faith.
