Proverbs 20:22 NLT
Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the LORD to handle the matter.
As a society, we have become very sensitive.
We are bent on making sure that everyone gets what they deserve.
And that they get it NOW!!
But being a Christian, is that a position that our heart should be in?
1 Peter 3:9 NLT
Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.
Romans 12:17-18 NLT
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
But as a society, we have become selective in what we are going to pass judgment on. We pick and chose what level of sin is worse than the other.
And we have made it our responsibility to point out others’ flaws as if there is a reward for doing it. All while never considering holding ourselves to the same standard that we hold others to.
Somehow, we want grace, while at the same time, we want to persecute those around us for the sins that we observe someone else doing.
When we watch the news, we see interviewers grilling a person that is not in line with their political beliefs, demanding that they “condemn” someone for something they said or did that was not in line with their views.
Matthew 7:1-2 NLT
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
The degree that we judge others will be the same degree that we will be judged by God.
I struggled with this for many years. My relationships got infinitely better when I realized that I didn’t have to point out the flaws of everyone I knew, even if I knew a different way or a better way.
So what are we supposed to do with all of the things that we observe that are wrong?
We are to call them what they are.
Being a Christian, where are we to get our source of right and wrong?
This question is essential. For us, the only source of what is right and wrong is the Bible. And the Bible is to be read and taken in totality, not buffet style based on our misplaced sense of right and wrong.
God knew that we would do that and planted in our consciousness the seeds of right and wrong.
Romans 2:14-15 NLT
Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.
Unfortunately, as it was written, false prophets have taken the Word of God, and they have perverted it.
They have taken God’s Word, the Bible and have turned it into a magnifying glass on the world, continually pointing out the sins of the world, while never living out the Word of God in their own lives. And they were being exposed for their sins.
These false prophets being caught in affairs, being found in hotel rooms with prostitutes, or embezzling money from the congregants.
These stories, being prominent in the news cycles, have lead people further and further from the loving grace of God.
But at the same time, these events reveal the people who are not right with God, and we need that as well.
For those who genuinely want to help change the lives of those around them, we must live out our faith in God by being changed by the work of Jesus Christ in OUR lives.
Get into God’s Word and let that change start in your life today.
Joshua 1:8 NLT
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love and grace.
I ask You, Lord, to continue to shape my life with Your Word. And that through Your Word, You reveal to me the things in my life, I need to lay down to glorify You.
I thank You for the people in my life. And I pray that You soften my heart to be compassionate and sensitive to their needs.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
