-Matthew 7:2
Most recently I have been made aware of my many flaws. I have realized that more often than not, we think that we honest towards people. However, those same people that we are honest with, we talk about behind their backs. I've realized that being gossiped about, being judged, it hurts. Most importantly, I've realized that I have hurt people through gossip, through judgement, whether they realize it or not. I am sorry.
In order to help us all get past this evil, we must realize what Christ calls us to do when we have troubles with someone. Yes, we do acknowledge the fact that He will judge rightly (Judgement will be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it. -Psalm 95:15), but if we see that what someone is doing does not align with Christ and His Word, we are not supposed to be angry and gossip (A perverse man stirs up dissension, and gossip separates close friends. -Proverbs 16:28). Yes, of course, as Christians we will be upset at sin (The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace. -Proverbs 13:5), but being quick to anger will only bring about other negative qualities, and more sin (Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it leads only to evil. -Psalm 37:8). We must be honest (Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness. Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth. -Proverbs 16:12, 13) with one another. However, we must speak to the person who has affected our hearts directly (If your brother sins against, you go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along...-Matt 18:15,16a).
We must speak honestly, through Christ alone. Through prayer and reading His word, we will obtain knowledge and wisdom from Christ directly. But we must speak ("So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell...-Matt 10:26-28).
I know that so many times we just want to say what we want to say, and forget everything else. Christ calls us to love one another, speak to one another honestly, and forgive entirely. Please remember His words next time you are tempted to talk about one another. With Christ at the center of our hearts, He will not lead us astray.
It's time to truly die to ourselves, and become resurrected with Jesus.
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, Let me take the speck out of your eye, when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
-Matthew 7:3-5
I really like this inisight ! I have trouble myself with this topic. One thing that is easy that we all do is judge. It's so much easier to judge someone rather than accept them for who they are.
ReplyDeleteSomething I learned from an RA here at Bluefield is that we are called to simply love people where they're at. No matter where they're coming from or what kind of baggage they may carry. We are called to just love them from where they are at right now in our lives. Now, I think that's easier than judging someone! To start off, something we can start doing is not judging people. THat's ONE way we can start loving them by.