When examined; there are a few churches across our land that are exclusive. They only desire to have members who look like them, talk like them, and share their exclusive opinions and I am not talking about God’s Word. It is not up for opinion. He is the Word and it is immutable. Unchanging. No wavering. He says what He says and means what He means.
God is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do. He is the Word incarnate from before the beginning of time. He has always been and forever will be inclusive. “It is not His will that any should perish without Him.”
Why in the world would a church turn someone away? That’s where the Word of God is preached and taught. We accept them where they are but never agree with their sin. That must be dealt with in a loving and truth-filled way. That’s how Jesus dealt with sin. “We all sin and fall short of the glory of God.”
If they choose to ignore the truth of God’s Word and continually walk in their sin; that is when God tells us two should go and address it in a loving way. Speak the truth in love. If they refuse to listen; then and only then should the person be asked to leave. I believe God is an inclusive God based upon the same scripture I’ve already quoted. “It is not His will that any should perish without Him.”
The church is a hospital for hurting people. It should be a safe place for people to come because faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God. God’s Word is what brings people to repentance.
Prayer in Motion:
Thank You, Lord for including me in the Names written in the Lamb’s book of life. Help me to love others the way You love them. Teach me, Lord, to never look at someone with disdain but with the love of the Lord Jesus. It’s in Your Name I pray. Amen.
Devotions In Motion 