“Dear brothers, I realize that what you did to Jesus was done in ignorance; and the same can be said of your leaders. But God was fulfilling the prophecies that the Messiah must suffer all these things. Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord and send Jesus your Messiah back to you again.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It happens every day...all over the world...in workplaces, among family members and friends, on social media, and yes – in even in our churches. People make snap judgments, say and do hurtful things, and mistreat others out of their own ignorance – or at best, a failure to collect all of the facts beforehand.
- “We wouldn’t need Food Stamps and other forms of public assistance if people would quit being so lazy and get a job.” There is no effort to understand how difficult some families and individuals find it to stretch a dollar while working at a minimum wage job.
- “He has such musical talent...if he really loved the LORD, he’d sing in the choir.” Perhaps this person has a “plate” already so full - and burdens so big - that there simply is not a spare minute to devote to such an activity, even if he wanted to do so!
- “She must not care about her aging mother...I never see her visit, and I’ve noticed that other people are always doing things for this dear woman that her daughter should be doing.” Maybe this person’s needs exceed what the daughter is medically qualified to handle...or maybe she visits at odd hours. Perhaps she has a spouse who is ill...or small children - and a job...and others have offered to step in and help her with these duties. Or perhaps her mother has told her that she does not want her care and “interference”.
- “I don’t understand why that child’s parents allow him/her to look/behave that way...they should try harder.” Perhaps this child has special needs that offer a challenge to everyone concerned with his/her care. Maybe the parents ARE trying...or maybe they need a loving, caring person to offer them gentle, concrete assistance and guidance.
- “Tell your mom that you all need to get to church on time...your family is always late!” Is this really the child’s fault? Does this help get the family to church sooner, or will it make the children feel badly – and irritate the parents that someone nagged them? Shouldn’t this person be glad the children actually came to church, rather than berate them for their tardiness?
- “That kid is just weird. He never does anything with other students. He isn’t all that friendly, and all he does is read or stare into space.” This kid lives with a single mom who has a drug addiction and an eating disorder. He never knows if she will be alive when he returns home. Or perhaps there is abuse and neglect in his home. His heart is heavy...and his mind is full. It’s all he can do to get back and forth to school each day.
Here’s the thing...we would all do well to stop “shooting from the hip” so often. We would be better served to pause, look, listen...and PRAY before we pass judgment, open our mouths, or jump into action. We need to start at the top...and treat our relationship with Jesus more tenderly, reverently and respectfully...then ask Him to help us expand these mercies outwardly in our interactions and associations with others. We should remember that we are representatives of Jesus to the world at large...and when we fail to operate in grace and mercy, we project a false depiction of the love of Christ and the refreshing renewal that He offers to each of us through His blood on the Cross.
We have been given such an incredible gift in the form of salvation through Jesus. His mercies toward us are poured out new every single day – often many times! Now it is our time to share these mercies with others...to turn around and face His cleansing refreshment, receive His restoring love and care – and share it with the world.
Which direction are you facing today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
No comments:
Post a Comment