Offensive Holiness

Saturday, August 14, 2021

There are two kinds of holiness. The first is the kind that avoids unholy people, unholy places, unholy situations. Now if something would cause you to stumble you need to avoid it. But this holiness is not enough; for it is only a defensive holiness. Our Rabbi, Messiah, was of the second holiness. The holiness of Messiah was not the kind that avoided unholy people, but that which touched them. He didn't forsake sinners. He was called the Friend of Sinners. He loved them, and by His love and grace made them pure. For if He had avoided unholy situations, He would have never come to earth because this planet is one big unholy situation. But the true Light doesn't have to hide from the darkness. It can shine in the darkness, and by its shining overcome the darkness and turn night into day. In the same way you can't forsake those people who dwell in darkness, or separate in judgment from them. Do not be conformed to them... yes. But transform them by your prayers, by your forgiveness, and by the love of God within you. For you are of Messiah and Messiah is of the second holiness.

From Message #822 - The House of Matthew