“Love doesn’t compromise its convictions, but it’s moved by compassion. There is a way to disagree agreeably, but it takes humble boldness. Humility is the willingness to admit fault when you’re wrong. Boldness is the willingness to risk your reputation for what’s right. It takes tremendous courage to live according to your convictions.”- Mark Batterson
And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”- John 8:11 (ESV)
Mark Batterson concludes Chapter 9 of Please Sorry Thanks with John’s gospel account of the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8:3-11). Jesus came to the woman’s defense and defused the religious leaders’ hostility. Above all, Jesus gave the woman grace. But He also spoke the truth in no uncertain terms.
Certainly, Mark observes, Jesus didn’t excuse the adulterous woman’s behavior by sweeping it under the rug. Rather, Jesus called her actions on the carpet. While love doesn’t compromise its convictions, it is moved by compassion.
Hence, Jesus offered the woman unadulterated grace. Yet, He spoke the truth in love. God calls us to walk this tightrope. Above all, there’s only one way we can keep our balance. We must embrace both grace and truth. We need to function as grace givers and give second changes. In addition, we must try to understand other people’s points of view. while we hold on to ours.
So, Pastor Batterson wonders, what if we:
- took less credit when things go right?
- took more responsibility when things go wrong?
- were a little more forgiving and a little less judgmental?
In conclusion, Mark stresses a critical distinction:
“Conviction is feeling guilt over unconfessed sin, and it comes from the Holy Spirit. Condemnation is feeling guilt over confessed sin, and it comes from the Enemy!”
Most significantly, Mark underscores, false humility fails to do anyone any favors. That happens when you think of yourself as anything less than who you are in Christ.
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you act with humble boldness? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “A soft reset – forgiveness”
