I have mentioned before that I have been reading Abba’s Child by Brennan Manning as part of my morning routine, and couple weeks ago I read a statement he made that me say “OUCH!” (I even wrote that in the margin). It’s one of those truisms that hurts because it’s true. And it’s a statement I wish I had made myself…but I give credit where it’s due.

Here’s the statement (from page 129):

The number of people who have fled the church because it is too patient or compassionate is negligible; the number who have fled because they find it too unforgiving is tragic.

Like I said “Ouch!” It hurts because there is to much truth here. And I am sure I have contributed to the problem, but I am determined to do my part to be “too” patient and compassionate instead of too unforgiving. This is the same issue that Jesus confronted and it plagues the church yet today.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. We can all do our part to love one another and show compassion to a world that’s dying for a little love.