Should We Extend 'Mercy' or 'Grace' When Church Leaders Fail?

As more information comes out about Robert Morris and some of the elders at Gateway, we must guard against arrogance and gloating. Remember, “We all stumble in many ways.” (James 3:2)

I encourage you to pay attention to this kind of news because it deeply affects our family, the family of God, Jesus’ Church. Not so we can pass judgment. That is not the heart of Jesus. But so we can grieve with the victims and be a part of the solution.

The first step is not arrogant judgment. That is not Jesus’ heart. But to open our eyes to the sad state of the “visible” Church and what we are enabling by many of our “methods.” And how by the internet, we are exporting these non biblical methods to the rest of the world.

Our hearts should ache for the victims, for the church staff and members, and yes, for Robert and his family. If we don't, then we should examine ourselves for hypocrisy and a serious lack of love.

Other leaders interviewed have said we should extend grace to leaders who “fall.” I know we are sincere, but I think this misunderstanding of grace may play a part in our problem.

We can and should give mercy when each of us fails. But we cannot give grace. It’s not ours to give. Since grace is the power of Jesus living in us, transforming us from the inside, only God can give grace. And He can only give it to us when we humble ourselves.

1 Peter 5:5- “God must resist the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.”

Hebrews 4:16 - “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”