Interview with Ps. Lafe and Hope Angell (Part 1)
What did Jesus’ love look like? How can we emulate it today—especially in a culture that is often so divided? In this episode (part one of a two-part interview), Pastors Lafe and Hope Angell of Grace Point Family Church discuss examples of how Jesus loved with truth and yet without condemnation. They also offer tips on how young people can do the same today, even when it’s difficult.
A Culture of Condemnation
According to a global study conducted by Barna of 25,000 teens from 26 countries, about half (49 percent) of today’s teens say Jesus is loving. By comparison, only 4 percent of teens today say Jesus is judgmental. But what do those terms—loving and judgmental—actually mean?
Pastor Lafe said when thinking about judgment, it’s important to understand the difference between condemnation and conviction. “Condemnation is, the sentence has been passed. We’re beyond deliberation. It’s over. Conviction says, ‘Ok listen, there’s something in my life that is not letting me be at peace, because the work of the Holy Spirit is trying to alert me that there are some behaviors that aren’t lining up with God’s Word,'” he told Know Why.
“Did Jesus come to condemn? Absolutely not,” Pastor Lafe continued. “It’s clear in John 3:17 that he did not come to condemn, but rather to rescue.”
Pastor Lafe Angell
“We are called absolutely to be loving and gracious.”
In today’s culture, it’s common for groups of people to condemn others who are not like them or who disagree, Pastors Lafe and Hope told Know Why. People often do this by reducing others to one label or another, rather than seeing the whole person. But we treat ourselves better.
“With our own sins in our life, we have so much grace, because we know our intentions. We know our heart,” Pastor Hope told Know Why. “But we don’t have that same grace for other people. And that’s why it’s so important to love others as ourselves.”
When interacting with a wide variety of people, Jesus did not condemn—even the people who were almost universally hated or despised at that time. He loved them while still calling them to a better way.
Known By Love
Followers of Jesus should be known by their love rather than what they are against, Pastor Lafe said. Even in politically divisive or counter-Christian times, Christian believers can be gracious while also standing firm in moral conviction—for instance, standing up for those who are innocent and have no voice.
To emulate Jesus and love others well, Pastor Hope said it’s key for young people to be surrounded by fellow believers who can encourage them. Pastor Lafe said it’s vital to know God’s Word for yourself.
Check back next week for Part 2 of Know Why’s interview with Pastors Lafe and Hope Angell.
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