Recently I attended small group in which the leader, a retired pastor, warned the people against an idea our culture has about God. To demonstrate his point the group leader lifted his foot off the ground, held it in the air for a few moments, and proceeded to stomp out anyone or anything that he was angered by. The point being that many people in our culture see themselves as the "stompees" and God as the "stomper." We are apt to believe that were all destined to slip up and when we do God gleefully awaits His chance to crush us into oblivion.
Contrary to popular belief, I have learned that the love of God is not exclusive to the New Testament. This is a message that is in dire need of being preached today. I once heard of an old preacher who said, "If you cut the Bible anywhere, it bleeds."
Indeed, the love of God is evident throughout Scripture. Matter of fact most church folk know the old call and response, "God is good- ALL THE TIME!" We say it but do we believe it? If we did believe it then why do so many church folk live as though there is a giant foot hanging overhead like a modern day sword of Damocles?
It is our Christian duty to proclaim God's love. However, we must never compromise the truth by watering it down to a "feel good" message. How do we do this? Simple- live and preach the Word of God. It is all "we" need and it is all "they" need. The Word of God is Truth. Truth with convict hearts, transform minds, and set people free. The truth of the Bible will prove God's unconditional love for people.
And, oh yeah, the "foot did come down..." It came down on the cross some 2 millennia ago.
