Aggressively Graceful

I think it's possible I listened to too many sermons yesterday while the radio was on, because now I can't remember exactly whose stood out when I considered today's #deaconThursday post. So while I want to quote the pastor specifically, nor say with 100% certainty who it was, I know he was talking about forgiveness.

Let's be real for a moment and realize and remember that church leadership doesn't also get along. Just as in any organization, those in management and leadership positions have different ideas and theories that don't always blend well and thus, have the potential to become points of conflict... and significant ones at that.

Emotions run high, words get twisted, perspectives get skewed and misunderstandings ensue. And yet as the preacher closed out this portion of the broadcast, he highlighted... we shouldn't be passive in our response, nor aggressive, nor passive-aggressive, but display aggressive grace.

There's so much in the Bible that is personal and so often we try to apply these principles to how we should handle our interactions with other nations and countries and make these things work on a larger scale. And while different forces are at work and in play in those circumstances, part of me wonders, how can we consider what it looks like for a nation to overcome evil with good, when it's people, in their personal relationships can't overcome evil with God.

We desire to repay, get back, get even or tell them to get away. Bitterness and forgiveness do not live in the same house. Love covers a multitude of sins and grace absorbs wrong-doings.

God covers are shame and yet so we are so quick to point out in others what we think should shame them; as if we have our act together. Yet as much as it is with you, live at peace. It's not saying there won't be conflict and disagreement. But let's not live with a spirit of war between us as live out our lives; whether in the marketplace nor the ministry.

Thus, on this #deaconThursday, pray for churches that are in trouble, because of the struggle and conflict taking place among the leadership. As many churches have been ripped apart as a result of such events, may the Holy Spirit infuse a spirit of grace and understanding into the circumstance and conversation. Pray that calmer heads would prevail and that God would do a work in the hearts and minds of those involved. May there be a shift in the conversation, even this very day and that grace would overcome and may love win. Pray for a miraculous move of healing and restoration to follow; that while it may not transpire overnight, may the process begin.

That God would do what only He can do,
As we are faithful to live and act as He has called us to do.
That our lives would reflect Christ
Even in the times, when we'd rather not.
May we be aggressively graceful
For His glory we pray.

- PNC