"This is probably just me being nosy...," the message began.
Yes, it is! I thought indignantly. If you know it's being nosy, than why are you asking? I was surprised at the strength of my reaction. The message wasn't even to me. I was only an eavesdropper on someone else playing their messages aloud.
Then another thought slid softly into my mind. "You don't know everything. Maybe after she sent that message, she regretted it. Maybe she thought of deleting it, but it was already too late. Maybe later God will show her it wasn't necessary. Haven't you done things like that before?"
My heart surely blushed in shame, for I knew all too well the truth. The number of times I have regretted my actions or my words, the times that God has patiently worked with me in one area or another while I slipped and stumbled and struggled up the path. Yet here I was, expecting perfection from someone else. Believing another person, who is just as human as I, ought to get it right the very first time.
There are sins that must be called sin. I understand that. But there are also many places where the Bible lauds patience, longsuffering, and forbearance. God has so much patience for my faults. Isn't it only reasonable that I should extend that love and consideration to others?
We seem to have a rather uncomfortable talent for noticing the faults of others, but we often miss our chance to give others the room they need to grow. When we see someone stumbling on the road as they work with themselves, let's not make the road so narrow it becomes impossible for them to walk. God's road has many notices posted that you and I sometimes fail to observe. Let us not judge harshly someone else that has done the same! Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. (Romans 2:1)
There may be a time we are required to help someone else see a sign she has missed. In humility we will find our way much more open to share if we admit that we, too, have not always read signs in the past. A failure to recognize our own imperfections will lead us very near a ditch of self righteousness. We may find our ability to love as we should becomes stymied. Without realizing it, our salvation may become more imperiled than that of the person of whom we are feeling disapproval. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgement of God? (Romans 2:3)
As we continue our journey withholding judgement, we may find ourselves surprised at some of the gifts and talents of those we have been tempted to accuse. Instead of taking note of their failures, we will find ourselves in a place of joy and peace as we recognize the victories they have gained. Instead of thinking it our duty to point out each area where they have failed, we can encourage their gifts to grow. Their successes will become an encouragement to our own hearts.
Then another thought slid softly into my mind. "You don't know everything. Maybe after she sent that message, she regretted it. Maybe she thought of deleting it, but it was already too late. Maybe later God will show her it wasn't necessary. Haven't you done things like that before?"
My heart surely blushed in shame, for I knew all too well the truth. The number of times I have regretted my actions or my words, the times that God has patiently worked with me in one area or another while I slipped and stumbled and struggled up the path. Yet here I was, expecting perfection from someone else. Believing another person, who is just as human as I, ought to get it right the very first time.
There are sins that must be called sin. I understand that. But there are also many places where the Bible lauds patience, longsuffering, and forbearance. God has so much patience for my faults. Isn't it only reasonable that I should extend that love and consideration to others?
We seem to have a rather uncomfortable talent for noticing the faults of others, but we often miss our chance to give others the room they need to grow. When we see someone stumbling on the road as they work with themselves, let's not make the road so narrow it becomes impossible for them to walk. God's road has many notices posted that you and I sometimes fail to observe. Let us not judge harshly someone else that has done the same! Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. (Romans 2:1)
There may be a time we are required to help someone else see a sign she has missed. In humility we will find our way much more open to share if we admit that we, too, have not always read signs in the past. A failure to recognize our own imperfections will lead us very near a ditch of self righteousness. We may find our ability to love as we should becomes stymied. Without realizing it, our salvation may become more imperiled than that of the person of whom we are feeling disapproval. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgement of God? (Romans 2:3)
As we continue our journey withholding judgement, we may find ourselves surprised at some of the gifts and talents of those we have been tempted to accuse. Instead of taking note of their failures, we will find ourselves in a place of joy and peace as we recognize the victories they have gained. Instead of thinking it our duty to point out each area where they have failed, we can encourage their gifts to grow. Their successes will become an encouragement to our own hearts.
May we walk carefully together, supporting one another over the stony path, and appreciate the fact that although we are all tempted, we are in the fight for eternity together.
The thought of Mercy has surfaced with me different times lately... and here it is again. :) Thanks for sharing!
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