As I was walking up to the checkout lane at Walgreen's last Sunday, I felt the compassion of the Lord for the cashier. I wanted to say something to her, but I only had a brief window of opportunity. I felt my heart breaking for this girl as it seemed that she didn't know the Lord. The thoughts of eternal punishment ran through my head as I searched for the words to say that might bring her hope. The only words I could think of were "Jesus loves you."
Being way to analytical, i started breaking down the theological implications of this statement and its worthiness to encourage this person at this time. What would her response be if I were to say this? Does this statement clearly communicate the gospel to her? Does she understand the full weight of what that statement means?
Unfortunately, much to my chagrin, this conversation/debate in my head carried me to my car without saying word one to the cashier. I am a bit embarrassed to think that the only words i could think of to say to his girl was "Jesus loves you." As Christians, we are blown away by that statement because we understand from which we came. There was absolutely nothing lovable about us. But God, being rich in mercy, loved us, because he is love.
But what about to the nonbeliever who doesn't understand the doctrine of total depravity, or understand the wonder of the doctrine of the substituitionary atonement. Jesus loves me? So what? To one who doesn't understand the weight of their sin, or the eternal consequences of it, the statement of Jesus's love for them is rendered inconsequential.
What then can you say in those fleeting few moments that could change someones life? What will plant the seed that others might come behind and water it? What would point to the gospel of Jesus Christ as the best news a person could ever hear? Saying nothing is too heart wrenching, there must be something to say.... but what?
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