Jesus IS A Loving God, But ...

We often hear people saying that Jesus is a loving, forgiving, merciful, accepting God. There's no argument with that.

But in many cases people are saying this in defense of various life-style choices. The implication is that a true follower of Jesus would not raise objections to these choices, but would rather accept, perhaps even celebrate them.

The problem is that while Jesus exemplifies all those attributes, there is more to Him, and to what he said and did.

One of the methods Jesus used to teach us how to live and act, and what can happen as a result of our choices, was through parables and stories.

Take the story of the ten bridesmaids (Matthew 25: 1-13) waiting for the Bridegroom - Jesus - and five of them did not bring enough oil for their lamps. In other words, they did not prepare for the celebration that is Heaven. When they finally showed up, the door was shut, and the Lord said "I do not know you."

Then there's the story of the wedding guest (Matthew 22: 1-14) who showed up without a wedding garment  - again, did not prepare for Heaven, And his fate? The king (God) said "‘Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”

There are similar stories. The pattern is if you do not prepare, if you do not live properly, you will not enter Heaven. There is no "acceptance;" you had a chance, you had a choice, you consciously made the wrong choice, and so you must pay the consequences of your choice.

Some might argue that these are just stories, so he's just warning us, but that in his words and actions He didn't do this.

But then we have the story of the fig tree (Matthew 21: 18-22). When Jesus found it had no fruit, he cursed it and it withered and died. The tree represents the Jews and Christians who were not "fruitful," those whose lives do no show they are truly followers of God's law.

And when Jesus went into the temple and found the merchants and money-lenders (John 2: 13-16 - for one version of it). He made a whip of cords to drive them out, and overturned tables.

Think also of the many times he had harsh words for those who were deceitful or hypocrites. Among those: "hypocrites" "brood of vipers," "You are of your father the devil." 

I think two stories give us a clearer picture.

When the woman was caught in adultery (John 8: 1-11), Jesus got those ready to kill her to spare her. But then he said,  “Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again.” 

Notice here two things. First, he called what she did a sin. He did not mince words or accept her actions; He declared them sinful. Then, in sparing her, He admonished her to sin no more. This is the kind of "acceptance" He offered. I forgive and accept you, but you must stop the sin you were committing.

Then there's the prodigal son (Luke 15: 11-32). The father - God - welcomed the son back and forgave him. But the son first had to humbly recognize what he had done, to repent, and to return ready to accept the consequences. He had to choose, to take the initiative, and return to the father. Only then could he accept his father's love and forgiveness.  

The lesson is that we need to repent our sins, to recognize God's authority, to return to Him, and to promise to try to avoid sin in the future. The acceptance is given only when we choose it and are ready for it; it's not unconditional. And we can choose not to repent and return - that's part of free will - but then we would be dead (stoned) or starving among the swine.

So yes, Jesus is loving, forgiving, merciful, and accepting. But we can only take advantage of those blessings when we choose to live in a way that enables us to accept them.

Pax et bonum