God's Borders Versus Ours

Have you ever thought about how easy it is to remain in our circles and extend mercy and love to each other? It is not a challenge for me to reach out a loving hand and help one who has done the same for me. Rarely, do I think twice about not helping out a person when there is a reward. But I was thinking recently; what about the ones who wouldn’t appreciate it; like the lepers that Jesus healed and only one was thankful? Or take it a bit further; what about the person who has done something really heinous and is looked down upon for it; like murder? What about the individual who has raped someone or that has molested a child? What about the prostitute? Or the old man who lives under a park bench and is drunk more often than he is not? And isn’t the drug addict, who thinks he has to steal from others in order to support his filthy addiction, a soul also?

I will admit, these are not the types of people I hang with. Maybe I should. Jesus, the person I adore the most and strive to live my life after, certainly would if He were here today. See, this is the human in me. The part that has the tendency to be arrogant, elitist, judgmental, and selfish. I was brought up in a culture that did not look favorably on these people. But on the other hand, I am now a citizen in God’s kingdom, a much more forgiving culture. There is no denying that these are precious souls, made in the image of God. No matter how awful the things are that these people have done or are doing, they are souls that God sent His son to die for just as much as He died for me. A close examination of Jesus’ ministry leaves little doubt that the least accepted of His culture, were the ones He reached out to. It seems that the majority of His time was spent with those that others wouldn’t be seen with. Many of us might feel that this is an unrealistic expectation. Sometimes I do. But would Jesus place upon us an expectation of which we are not capable? He taught us in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” And while the aforementioned classes of people may not be our personal enemy per se, He does remind us in the same context that God has extended His love on the just and unjust; the good and evil (v.45). Jesus’ purpose of teaching what He did here was to instruct us on what life in His kingdom is like.

May we never lose sight of what kingdom living is really about; introducing to people the availability of Christ’s kingdom. God’s grace has been extended to more than just His people. Giving our life to Christ is great, and necessary. But it does not make us more deserving of His grace. So as the extension of Christ’s work on earth today; as His arms and legs, let us extend our grace. I pray that we will see the value of expanding the borders of God’s love beyond our families, friends, and acquaintances; even beyond the boundaries of justice when we feel that we have been wronged. Think about Jesus’ words as He hung on the cross to die with His spineless murderers just below; Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. There were no boundaries of His love for us.

Who are you willing to step “outside the box” for and pray for today? Do we accept that we are different, really (I Peter 2:9)? If so, then let’s extend our boundaries. Let’s try harder to broaden our borders to match that of God’s grace. It may not be possible, but let’s at least try it. Do it today. Do it tonight. Do it as soon as you can. Pray for someone you are not accustomed to praying for. When we are able to do this, maybe then we can see the value of wanting them to be a part of the kingdom with us.