Weary of Us Against Them

Always Gracious

I'd like to share one last thought, a brief excerpt from my book, Jesus Outside the Lines, which summarizes what I'm trying to say here:

"What matters more to us—that we successfully put others in their place, or that we are known to love well? That we win culture wars with carefully constructed arguments and political power plays, or that we win hearts with humility, truth, and love? God have mercy on us if we do not love well because all that matters to us is being right and winning arguments. Truth and love can go together. Truth and love must go together."

Paul writes, "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders … Let your speech always be gracious" (Colossians 4:5-6).

What is our basis for always being gracious? It is the fact that we, too, have been treated graciously. Because of the cross and resurrection of Jesus, our day of judgment has been moved from the future to the past.

For those of us who identify as Christians, what better reason could we have to be the most gracious, not to mention the least offended and least offensive, people in the world?

For more conversation and resources on Jesus Outside the Lines, visit the Patheos Book Club here.

Scott Sauls is senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN, a board member for Relevate, and author of Jesus Outside the Lines: A Way Forward for Those Who are Tired of Taking Sides.