How often have you heard or participated in this? “I heard this person has a sin problem. I don’t want to spread gossip, but I want you to be warned, because you may want to avoid them.”
Jesus discusses what our reaction should be in this parable
Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them."
So He (Jesus) told them this parable, saying, "What man among you if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance." (Luke 15:2-7)
Journaling testimony by Gary Robinson
As I was reading the "Your Extraordinary Life" book on the parables of Luke 15, the Holy Spirit highlighted them so I journalled them.
"Lord, what would You like to say about these parables?"
"Gary, I highlighted these parables and the reason that Mark stated that the sheep, the coin, and the son were lost because I wanted to show you something of My heart.
In the past, you have felt aggrieved for Me when one of My children has turned their back on Me and left the fold. I love your loyalty but you don't ever need to feel protective of Me. Many times you have known "backsliders" being judged by My other children, whether like sheep they have wandered off into the pleasures of the world, like the coin they have been hurt or driven by circumstances, or even like the prodigal and they have seemed just downright rebellious.
You have been a part of the judging too by being involved with discussions like these, "Have you seen what they've gotten into, where they've gone, how bad their attitude is, etc?" This is not how I think or feel at all, My child. I don't bother myself working out either their motives for leaving Me, the mess they have gotten into, or the things they have done. Honestly, I don't even care.
My only focus, My only thought, the only thing working in My heart is that they are lost and I want them back in My arms, under My protection, and experiencing My abundant blessings. I am way too busy with reaching them and bringing them home, to pay even the slightest attention to why, to whether they rejected Me, to where they are, or what they have done. They are Mine, I love them, I want them, no offense, no judgment, just heartfelt love, and concern for their wellbeing.
Here's the good news for you, too. You may not have left Me in an obvious way, but you have left Me to enjoy the pleasures of sin many times, but I never left you, didn't judge you, or take offense, I was single-mindedly pursuing you in love. I was bringing you to repentance that is not based on guilt or shame but just drawing you back onto the path of blessings that I have ordained for you.
Receive My heart and do likewise, both with those who have strayed and yourself when you fall. Judgment has been taken care of, all offense paid for on the cross, all that is left is unconditional love, grace for restoration, and My embrace; I love them, I love you, and all any of My children will experience is that, My love... period."
Journaling application
- Lord, what do You want to speak to me about the way I respond to Christians or unbelievers who have fallen into sin? Do I respond as the Pharisees responded or as You respond?
- "But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another" (Gal. 5:15). Lord, am I guilty of biting and devouring others?
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