Daily Nuggets of Grace Part 3 Innocent!Sample

What About Motivating Others Through Guilt?

Adam and Eve had remarkable communion with God and each other. Their sin broke that sweet and pure fellowship like dead branches cut from a tree. Immediately, however, God initiated the plan of grace by promising a Messiah to graft believers back into Himself, the Source of Life.

But sin still affects how we relate to each other. Adam was quick to blame Eve for his sin.
The shame and guilt he felt transferred into pointing fingers and looking down on others. From there, it is a quick side-step into controlling others by guilt or manipulation.

Let's face it: it is tempting to try to get others to change by telling them how they failed, accusing and blaming, implying we know better. We throw in a threat of God’s punishment for added motivation. That was how the Church went awry before the Reformation, and it also happens as households and churches today seek change.

As we consider how to spur others on toward good deeds, is motivating them by guilt truly the best strategy?

A crowd brought Jesus a woman who was caught in sin. Once they were alone, Jesus’ response to the woman is worth noticing. He doesn’t rehash her sins, bad choices, and foolish decisions. He doesn’t warn her of God’s punishment for such sin. There was no manipulation in his words, expressions, or actions.

The woman knew her sin. The accusers had clearly mentioned it. Jesus didn’t feel the need to repeat it.

What did Jesus do? He led with grace. He made it clear there was no condemnation coming from Him.

Then Jesus followed it up with a simple call for the woman to leave her life of sin. He saw all the sins in her life, not only the one sinful act others were talking about. But Jesus still felt no need to go on and on about her many sins. Instead, he spoke a simple statement urging her to repentance.

It turns out that grace, not guilt, is the best motivator for helping us to turn away from ungodliness and worldly passions. As you try to motivate others to godly living, lead with the same grace you received from Jesus.

Who accuses? The enemy!

What did Jesus do? He led with grace.

Whose example do you want to follow?

Reflect and Respond

It might be tempting to motivate others through guilt or manipulation, but it’s not loving or effective. How can you lead with grace as you help others deal with their sin?

Pray

God, let Your love overtake me so I reflect Your grace to others. I choose respect for others and words of life on my tongue, giving others the freedom to fail, just like You do with me.