"The Ride"

Read Matthew 5:43-48; 6:12; 5:38-42; Colossians 3:13

 

What sets the Christian apart from others?

Really, what makes us different than

      most when we are at our best?

How will the world know

      that following Christ is radical,

      unique and fulfilling?

What form of witness would draw

      someone to the Christian faith?

 

Simply, it is acts of mercy.

 

One day a 14 year old girl.

against the wishes of her parents,

got into the car with a 16 year old boy

for a ride home.

The “ride” home reached speeds of

100 miles per hour.

He lost control,

the car was torn in half by

the collision with a telephone pole.

The innocent girl was mangled

beyond recognition.

 

The next day the boy was excoriated

with anger and hatred at his school.

The mother of the girl , still deep in grief,

but with her faith intact,

drove to the high school, took the

microphone and spoke to the students.

 

“Do not hate this boy.  Forgive him.

We forgive him.  This is God’s way.”

 

Mercy.

 

That is what makes us different and appealing.

Jesus went to the cross to make this true.

 

Moving to the deeper places,

Jeff