I am in a season of wondering...I used to know exactly what I believed about morality and what was right and wrong. I had standards of what I felt was acceptable as a Christian in the way people looked and how they talked and what they believed in. But lately I find myself wondering if I wasn't living in a bubble of judgment and superiority. I have begun to notice the believer who gossips and judges others without taking the time to hear their story; those that profess Christianity speak in words that I would chastize my teens for using without even blinking an eye; and the person on their way home from Bible study who yells at my daughter in the drive through window at Starbucks because she didn't get their coffee to them quick enough...But I have also begun to notice the non-believer who criticizes Christianity but lovingly asks about my day, takes the time to notice others and speaks in words of encouragement to just about everyone they meet.
I know this is an age old story, and I am not meaning to judge anybody-I am just wondering how much time I have been the one judging others because they didn't believe the same as me. I am wondering how many times I have looked at the young man with pink hair as though I was utterly disgusted and didn't even notice that he had just made a crying child smile....I am just wondering how much time I have waisted not getting to know someone because I felt threatened by them and their beliefs instead of showing them the love of God. Just wondering...... "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." Colossians 4:5-6
1 Comment
Marty A
12/11/2016 10:16:41 am
I can sooo relate. I believe this hidden "judgement" from me destroyed my 2nd marriage. I was horrible. It killed all intimacy between us. I had no idea it was happening until several years after our divorce. I've learned and am learning a LOT about acceptance. This election and protesting from my friends has helped me see there are so many more perspectives than mine. Jesus was in the messes and knew everyone had fears and baggage. He knew they needed Him more than anything. So now I "try" to love everyone, but it's hard. Easier when I keep my eyes on Jesus and don't fear.
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