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What is the unforgivable sin in our politically correct culture? Admitting sin.

Look well at my handpicked servant; I love him so much, take such delight in him. I’ve placed my Spirit on him; he’ll decree justice to the nations. But he won’t yell, won’t raise his voice; there’ll be no commotion in the streets. He won’t walk over anyone’s feelings, won’t push you into a corner. Before you know it, his justice will triumph; the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers. (Matthew 12:18-21 MSG)

When Jesus went to the street he didn’t cause a commotion. Despite popular media portrayals of Christian characters, Jesus himself did not walk over anyone’s feelings or try to push anyone into a corner, figuratively or literally. He didn’t yell or raise his voice. One sure way to know if someone represents the true voice of God’s justice is demonstration of this life of Christ, rather than death to tyranny or other anti-(put-who-you-hate-here) slogans.

Jesus relied on the love and presence of the Spirit of God in his life to transform culture. His message was forgiveness of sins. His method was spending time building relationships with his friends and making new friends among the outcasts of society. To them the name of Jesus signaled hope for a new way of living and a new life not bound by this earth and its ways. When the message of God’s justice and grace is communicated between friends, there is no need to yell, coerce, or occupy anything.

The reason people rebel against this offer of mercy is they would first have to admit sin. In our politically correct culture the unforgivable sin is to dare say sin exists in anyone, particularly if that sin is as plain as the proverbial emporer sans clothes. Christians haven’t made it any easier to admit sin, piling on guilt rather than offering mercy and hope. We have created the motivation for political correctness by our own inability to demonstrate the love of Christ in personal relationships as he did while on earth. Too many instead resort to impersonal rejections of others who can’t walk by the Spirit because they don’t know Jesus.

The only way Jesus can occupy the hearts of others is if he occupies our hearts first. We should walk as he walked, looking for the people God has placed along our paths (think of people like Zacchaeus searching). We never saw Jesus leading an uprising or preaching at people who did not come to listen. Jesus walked alongside, talked with (not at), and sat with those whose spirits and bodies needed healing.

My call today is to first let Jesus occupy my heart. Then I am to see who he has placed in my life to share the Good News that justice and mercy are available for anyone willing to accept the Message. That message is one of forgiveness, mercy, hope, patience, goodness, and love–against which there is no law. (Galatians 5:23)