Galatians 6:1-3
Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
All I could think about as I read this passage was church and government leaders who have criticized this behavior or that lifestyle… only to be found guilty of the same thing at a later date. From mismanagement of funds to sexual infidelity, drug and alcohol abuse, physical or sexual abuse and more…these leaders often find themselves needing forgiveness for the very things they have condemned others for doing. And frankly, you and I are no better much of the time!
Do not misunderstand me… I am not making excuses for anyone. I’m merely saying that we are all human beings… all capable of sin… and equally in need of grace and mercy on any given day. To look down upon another person – or be critical of him/her with no offer of genuine compassion – runs counter to Christ’s law to love your neighbor as yourself.
If we are truly Christ’s disciples… if we really want His love, grace, mercy and forgiveness for OUR sins… we must offer this same kindness and consideration to others. How do we love someone who molests children or abuses animals? How can we forgive the drunk driver who killed our loved one or the significant other or spouse who cheats? How can we not be disgusted by the person who gambles away everything and endangers the welfare of his/her family – or the person who cannot shake a drug habit and ruins not only his/her life but the lives of countless others?
The answer is that we must look at each of these people as Jesus does… through His eyes. We don’t condone their behaviors. We do not excuse their sins. But we love the person God created and say inwardly – if not aloud – “I will pray for this person. I will offer kindness and fair treatment. I will remember that on any given day, others might be repulsed by me if they knew my sins and shortcomings. I will leave punishment to those in authority, where necessary… and the ultimate judgment to God.”
Too many of us act as if we are incapable of offering compassion to those we deem to have failed in some way. In truth, we have decided we are too good for other sinners… failing to recognize that we are right there in the boat with them! The time has come for us to remove our blinders and see clearly… to recognize that we are called to love others as God loves us. And that means we don’t get to pick and choose for whom – or when – we do this!
We all need to examine our hearts. I’m pretty sure each one of us has operated in criticism and judgment of others – at least to some degree. It’s time to ask ourselves how we would feel knowing others do this toward us… and then adjust our attitudes accordingly. We can’t have it both ways. We’re either walking in the protective shadow of the cross… or wandering in the desert with the devil.
Who do you need to restore today with your prayers and compassion? Who is God calling you to forgive? Are you living creatively in the love of Christ?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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