This came in to me and I wanted to share it. Pastor C

Christian singer Derek Webb has a song called Saint and Sinner. Webb was originally writing a love song for his wife, but, as he puts it, ended up writing a song about Martin Luther. The song really captures the essence of someone who is a Christian and, at the same time, a sinner. I was listening to another Webb song on Sunday, called The Church. This line brings tears to my eyes:

You cannot care for me with no regard for her.

If you love me, you will love the church.

I sometimes forget that the church, with all her issues, failures, broken relationships, messed-up people (including me!) is the Bride of Christ, not each of us individually.

In the Beyond The Doors series, there really is a progression from the individual Christian, to the church, to everyone we encounter in our day-to-day lives. Kindness can be as simple as letting the mother with several, small children go ahead of you at the grocery checkout. Prayer can be as easy as making a mental note during a conversation to pray for a friend and then later doing it. Forgiveness is often a little tougher; but, once we realize the depth and gravity of our own sin and the forgiveness and sweetness of the cross, forgiveness becomes a way of life. Another’s sin against me is as nothing compared to my own sin against God.

Lest we become proud...the forgiveness and love of God is what changes us. Once we comprehend the depth of that love and forgiveness and see ourselves as saint and sinner...we’re gifted with compassion for others, and so flows the fruit of the Spirit, often without our effort or realization.