“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”- Romans 5:8 (NIV)
In Chapter 5 (“Ex-Convicts, Failed Disciples, and One-Way Love”) of One Way Love, Tullian Tchividjian comments that what brought him out of his rebellious period was not a spectacular, Damascus Road experience, but simply a nagging sense that there had to be more to life than what he was experiencing. He adds that even in his unruly years, he never had ceased to believe in God- he just chose to ignore that belief and knowledge.
The Gospel, Pastor Tchividjian states, announces Jesus Christ given to and for sinners. All human expressions of grace point to the one true act of Grace, or one-way love. The author continues by describing three things that point to the essence of grace.
1. One-way love has nothing to do with the beloved. Grace has to do with the one doing the loving. Grace is most perceptible and transformative when we are at our lowest ebb:
“Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part.”
2. One-way love comes from outside of us. Only a third party can speak words of grace and be remotely believable. At least in the midst of real failure, we cannot love ourselves in this way.
3. One-way love is unexpected. We are astonished when someone withholds judgment, especially when that judgment is deserved.
Today’s question: In what conscious or subconscious ways did rebelliousness surface following your ministry downsizing or vocation loss? Please share.
Tomorrow’s post: “Surprised by grace”
New addition to Crown Jewels: “It’s after midnight”
