Did Jesus call His disciples to lead, teach, heal, in the gospel? Did Jesus call His disciples to force anyone to believe in Him? The word gospel means good news.
Mark 16:15 Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
Matthew 7:6 Do not cast your pearls before the swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn and tear you in pieces.
We are to share our testimony, yet we do not demand others believe. Sow the seed. It is God who gives the increase.
Matthew 10:11-13 Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out; and when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
Deuteronomy 32:35 Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; their foot shall slip in due time; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things to come hasten upon them.
Romans 12:17-19 Repay no on evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible as much depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
Do we really look and sound different from nonbelievers? Are we showing Jesus light through our words and actions? God is love. God suffers long with all of us for He would that all come to repentance and we are none without sin.
Romans 9:21-23 Does not the Potter have power over the clay from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor. What if God, wanting to show His wrath and make His power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, whence He had prepared before hand for glory, even us whom He called, not the Jews only, but also the gentiles?
The thief on the cross Jesus assured that he would be in paradise with Him when he asked Jesus forgiveness. The thief had no works but a sincere heart of repentance. We have all sinned and fallen short. Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy!
