January 21, 2026
I had every intention of writing a different devotion today; one that’s more upbeat and indeed would’ve made us all chuckle. (I’ll save that one for tomorrow). Truly, considering the times, we all need a giggle from time to time, especially amid the muddled and caustic days in which we live. That all said, I feel the need to share with you an interaction I had this morning with a guy I believed was a lifelong friend. For the sake of anonymity, I’m just gonna call him Sam.
Sam and I were best friends in high school. We’ve hardly seen one another since then, mostly due to proximity, but also in part to life choices. While I’m choosing to keep him name anonymous, I think it’s fair to say, Sam chose a lifestyle that doesn’t align with historical Christianity.
Sam was raised Roman Catholic; but finding Catholicism at odds with with his life choices, he’s found acceptance and affirmation in progressive Christianity. Like us all, Sam needs grace and mercy; I’ve always tried to give him that. Don’t we all.
Despite the proximities that have kept us apart, we’ve always been able to put those differences aside. This morning, though, Sam disregarded decades of grace and opted to part ways. It began with a simple social media post he wrote. (Ironic, isn’t it—platforms meant to bring people together are now causing division in our world.)
Sam was my inspiration to begin this yearlong blog. He started his last year, posting daily about the joys he found in life. He continued, shifting his focus to cooking—how sharing a meal can transcend differences. I admire him for his devotion in that regard.
Lately though, Sam’s food blogs have become overtly political. His post this morning amplified his rhetoric, calling Christians who disagree with his ideologies unfit to be followers of Christ. Where was the grace in that, I thought.
I replied privately, pushing back with pastoral love. I poignantly asked why he wasn’t extending grace to his enemies when he expects grace himself? I tried as gently as I could to point out that he was unfairly judging a large swath of Christianity, many who might not share his ideals.
Sam didn’t like my response; apparently mine was a faux pas, because I’d had the gall to express my concerns as both a pastor and friend. Without hesitation, he terminated our friendship, as though it never existed. I’m saddened by his choice. In the end, I must surrender to this notion: Sam’s decision is his own and not mine. I wonder how he’d feel if Christ did that to him?
Christ expects us, as believers and followers, to not retaliate as do the worldly. Our Savior granted us clemency when we least deserved it. In like manner, we are to emulate Christ and be grace even to those whom we disagree or deem our enemy.
I would’ve never considered Sam an enemy; and I still don’t. That said, I’m having difficulty reconciling how his words and actions are in opposition to the grace Christ has given him, and that grace he’s denying his foes. I pray God forgive him as have I.
Thirty-three years ago, my then, former fiancé —who am I lucky to say, has been my wife for as many years (a story for another time), was Christ’s embodiment of grace when I deserved it not. She chose to look past my sins and extended to me the grace and mercy I badly needed. Her grace was a lesson I’ll not forget. Danielle’s loving compassion brought me back to the Lord; and for her and God, I’m eternally grateful.
It’s easier to act like the law and be the judge with those we disagree; but the ways of Christ begin with grace, mercy and love. The Apostle John wrote,
“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.”
My friends, may you not judge others based on who you think they are or are not; instead, pour out a heaping measure of God’s grace onto everyone, including those you want to disregard. Perhaps, if we all do that with overflowing measure, then the love that’s been growing colder in our nation will begin to warm.
Father God, I thank you today for having grace on us through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. May we all extend your grace as you have unto us. Amen.