iMonk posted this video and then made a wonderful point about the Father’s grace:Yes, the love exhibited in this video is analogous to the love of the Father. He isn’t the selfish caricature that the atheists make him out to be. Thanks be to God that he loves us even when we mess up because in Christ he views us as perfect.For those of you who think I’m a terrible Christian, this is why I’m not fazed by your opinion. I know that God is a lot more gracious than you 
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Rom 8:1 ESV)
Remember that, Christians. You aren’t under condemnation, we need to remember to live in that knowledge and freedom everyday. And remember this as well:
If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died–more than that, who was raised–who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. (Rom 8:1 ESV)
Who can be against me? Certainly no one more powerful than the Almighty God.
posted September 17, 2009 at 11:40 am
What a beautiful picture of how much God loves and accepts us as His children. As a father of five who has not always exhibited God’s grace in response to my children, this is a great reminder. It’s also a great reminder of how I, as a Christian, can know that I can continue on His path despite my struggles and despite the naysayers. He has his eye on me and He does not give up on us.
Thom Hunter
http://thom-signsofastruggle.blogspot.com/
posted September 17, 2009 at 2:38 pm
LOL…a wonderful video, Michele. I heard this story coming into work this morning on NPR, and was touched by the description of it then. Seeing the video and listening to the father talk about it was really an uplifting moment. And the Phillies showed some real class by sending someone up to them with a new ball for the family.
And I agree. I goes to show that no matter how wrong we may be, no matter how many mistakes we make, whether from ignorance or intent, God is indeed gracious and will love us in spite of it. God can give us something wonderful (a ball, a blog, whatever), and even when we waste what he has given us, he still loves us and cares for us.
With someone who loves us like that, you are indeed safe in the knowledge that even if you lie to advance your political cause, God still loves you.
posted September 17, 2009 at 5:23 pm
God still loves you, but Jesus clearly said we would go to eternal damnation for not feeding, clothing, visiting prisoners, and helping the sick – no exceptions provided.
“those who are in Christ Jesus” do what he instructed – we all make mistakes and need to do better, but knowingly ignoring what Jesus said is not following the teachings of Christ.
I have health insurance I like – too bad for everyone else – is not “those who are in Christ Jesus.”
posted September 18, 2009 at 7:26 am
I saw this family on the Today show and was very touched by them. They understood that the child’s actions were, above all else, funny and a delightful reminder that to a child, the very best thing about the ball is that when Daddy throws it to you, you throw it, too.
I hope you are inspired by this to show some grace yourself, Michele, and write substantively about issues instead of focusing on the failings of individuals.
posted September 18, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Maybe I’m not much of a baseball fan but that’s a no-brainer to hug the kid … she did the right thing, from her toddler’s perspective, in throwing the ball back.
It’s strange to me that whenever I’ve leaned on these verses michele cited … mention in conversation with someone challenging my faith … that my hope comes from such promises, I’m told that God’s patience has its breaking point and eventually judgment will come.
Basically, I’m getting the “No Soup For You!” message from other Christians.
Anyway, no, God isn’t selfish. Read Merton. I’m sure iMonk would recommend that.
What is “grace”? It is God’s own life, shared by us. God’s life is Love. Deus caritas est. By grace we are able to share in the infinitely self-less love of Him Who is such pure actuality that He needs nothing and therefore cannot conceivably exploit anything for selfish ends.
posted September 20, 2009 at 9:48 pm
“With someone who loves us like that, you are indeed safe in the knowledge that even if you lie to advance your political cause, God still loves you.”
I can rest in the knowledge that God knows the truth and that though you slander me, yet he loves you.
posted September 20, 2009 at 9:51 pm
“God still loves you, but Jesus clearly said we would go to eternal damnation for not feeding, clothing, visiting prisoners, and helping the sick – no exceptions provided. “those who are in Christ Jesus” do what he instructed – we all make mistakes and need to do better, but knowingly ignoring what Jesus said is not following the teachings of Christ. I have health insurance I like – too bad for everyone else – is not “those who are in Christ Jesus.”"
Julie, who is Jesus addressing there? You might want to think about that before you condemn those of us who think the government shouldn’t have a say in healthcare to hell.
posted September 20, 2009 at 9:52 pm
“I hope you are inspired by this to show some grace yourself, Michele, and write substantively about issues instead of focusing on the failings of individuals.”
To bad you didn’t take your own advice, DC.