The Struggle to Love Sinners
At the heart of our Christian walk lies a profound paradox: it’s challenging to love others when we’re preoccupied with our own struggles against sin. This inherent tension between good and evil within us mirrors the contrast between the Old Covenant and the New.
The Old Covenant: A Path of Condemnation
The Old Covenant, rooted in the law, emphasizes what not to do. “Thou shalt not…” The assumption is that if we can somehow manage to adhere to these rules, we’ll earn the right to judge others and disrespect those who don’t measure up. However, this approach ultimately leads to condemnation – not only of others but also of ourselves.
The Law’s True Purpose
The law wasn’t designed to be followed; it was intended to be broken. By acknowledging our failures, we discover our true nature and recognize our need for redemption. This realization humbles us, allowing us to empathize with others who struggle. As Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Cash so poignantly sang, “Lord help me, Jesus, I’ve wasted it so; help me, Jesus, I know what I am.”
The New Covenant: A Path of Grace
In contrast, the New Covenant, founded on grace, sets us free from the burden of self-righteousness. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we’re no longer bound by the law’s constraints. Galatians 3:22 reminds us, “The Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.”
The Dilemma of Self-Righteousness
Those who claim to have been saved by the New Covenant yet revert to living under the Old Covenant’s rules will struggle to show respect and love to others – and to themselves. They’ll be mired in self-righteousness, unable to genuinely connect with those around them.
Embracing Our True Nature
To love sinners, we must first acknowledge our own struggles and accept God’s grace. Only then can we extend that same grace to others. By doing so, we’ll find ourselves capable of loving and respecting those around us, flaws and all.
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