I remember gathering with a group of men in the jail.

One of them was deeply troubled because his son was getting into all kinds of trouble.

He couldn’t understand why, because (he claimed) he loved his son and was always telling him so.

I felt something stir in my spirit, so I looked him straight in the eye and said that was a lie.

He didn’t love his son, I continued, but loved his drugs more – and thus had not cared enough to be part of his son’s life as he grew up. This had deeply wounded his son, who felt unloved and worthless, and was now acting out.

I then sat silent, firmly holding his stunned gaze with resolve tinged with compassion.

He began sobbing and admitted it was true – he loved his drugs more than his son.

As he then openly confessed and repented, he found Jesus that morning …

And also found God’s forgiveness.

But it would not have happened without first confronting him with the bad news of his own lies and deceit.

Those who try to candy-coat the Gospel seldom produce real fruit.

The real Gospel is edgy, and it is salvation for those who are lost and know it.

Jesus also went to the lost and demanded repentance while showing great compassion.

If you’re willing to follow in His footsteps, don’t be surprised when you too start seeing transforming redemption in the lives of others.

~ Jim Wright