Embracing Grace, in Christ

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 corinthians 5:17-21 (NIV)

I recently heard a talk about “cancel culture” and if it belongs in the heart of believers. The concept of “cancel culture” is like social media’s version of a timeout; one misstep and you’re sent to the corner while everyone debates if you deserve a second chance or a permanent ban from the cool table. So when this worldview entered into the lives of popular worship leaders and pastors [or into our lives with pain points in relationship with friends and family]; the debate about accountability and forgiveness also began. Let’s look at a portion of the passage again, found in 2 Corinthians 5:17-18.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ…”

The call to embrace the “new creation” emphasizes the importance of letting go of our past mistakes and missteps and moving forward with a renewed sense of purpose and identity in Christ – because it is through Christ that we are reconciled to God. In many ways, this mirrors the need for grace and understanding in conversations about cancel culture.

As Christ’s ambassadors, we are called to implore one another to embrace our new selves, reminding each other that our past does not define us. Each mistake serves as an opportunity for growth, learning, and ultimately, transformation. And the same grace that is modeled in this scripture must be given to ourselves and others.

In a society quick to judge, let us choose to be agents of forgiveness and reconciliation, allowing ourselves and others the grace to evolve and become better versions of who we are meant to be in Christ; who God has purposed us to be.

Together, we can foster a culture that values understanding over condemnation, echoing the profound message that we are indeed all new creations, capable of love, empathy, and change.

Trust God. Seek Him. Be Affirmed in Christ.