Managing murder

Brad at 21st Century Reformation looks at what it means for the Christian to have a true heart of mercy. He considers the many ways Christians harbor resentment and animosity in our hearts and makes this stop-you-in-your-tracks observation: "Hidden resentment is just managed murder."

How can we be saved from a heart filled with the propensity to be so easily disturbed? Why do we pick up our weapons and defend ourselves? The first step is to reveal to ourselves that the resentments are there and that unless we can replace these resentments with mercy we shall be of little use to Christ and His kingdom. Here is the beginning movements of our hearts toward finding more of God and a heart of mercy.

I so much appreciate Brad's words on the subject, because it affirms what I am dealing with in my own life and congregation. Only when we confess our weakness do we accept our need for God's grace. And when we make that confession, we open ourselves to overflowing with the fruit of the Spirit. To confess our weakness is to give up the illusion of managing our own discipleship. When we accept that in our own flesh we fail, we open ourselves to the peace that comes from knowing God's grace is sufficient, and that his power is perfected in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). An appreciation of that peace, in turn, opens us to joy.