Some people read the Bible and see that it’s full of liars, murderers, adulterers and cowards and are troubled by that. Other folks, like Brennan Manning, find great comfort in a God that can use messed up people, people like us, people Manning called “ragamuffins.”
For decades, Manning’s books, sermons and life have been refreshing reminders that God loves us not for who we could be, but for who we are. Manning taught us we are loved not because we are good, but because God is good and the love of God transforms us.
Manning’s life reminds us that the world is not looking for Christians who are perfect, but for Christians who are honest.
So, in the end, the question is not “Are we Christians hypocrites?” The question is “Do we have room for another hypocrite?” Around the world, folks have let this ragamuffin remind them God loves them, and they have begun to believe they are worth loving. And now that he is gone, we get to continue his legacy by telling the world how much God loves it.
When we released our brother, we trusted that Jesus and all the ragamuffin saints are welcoming him home on the other side.
Editor’s Note: Shortly after Manning’s death, Dallas Willard also passed away. Click here to read Matthew Lee Anderson’s thoughts on Willard’s legacy.