On Friday mornings the EL Paso Times publishes church events in the city as well as commentaries on various topics. The topic for last Friday’s remarks were entitled, “God is love; compassion for us.”
Each of the two articles was relevant to the title. However, in the short article by a Rev. Duke Tuffy, of Unity Temple on the Plaza, he wrote: “God has nothing but your highest good in mind and provides you with love, peace, harmony, compassion and many wonderful things.” Nothing wrong with those statements……..that is, until the last sentence. Rev. Tuffy goes on to say, “That indeed is a lot of power, but it will never be used to harm or punish you in any way. God is good, so don’t worry, be happy!”
Yes, Rev. God is love but so much more. He loves us with compassion that we humans are unable to comprehend. But He is also a disciplinarian. “He disciplines those He loves.” (Proverbs 3:12)
And what about sin? It is a nasty topic and rarely mentioned from our pulpits. Not a happy thought……It makes people uneasy. It might drive them away from services! We don’t like to be called sinners. But it was so from the beginning.
The Hebrew Scriptures tell us about sacrifices for sins committed. God give detailed instructions to those early Hebrews just how they should present their sacrifices. They needed to repent both to God and to their fellow man.
Our Lord came for that very reason! Not only to show God’s great compassion but to be a replacement for sins committed.
Indeed, we as believers know only too well our failings. But that knowledge should bring us to our knees in repentance.
As the great King David said. “I acknowledge my transgression and my sin is ever before me.” (Ps 51:3)
I do wish Rev. Tuffy, would come to the same conclusion. However, he might lose a few of his members.
AbideLines 