Sometimes without meaning to, we adopt the attitude of the Pharisees, like in Luke 15:2 (NKJV), “And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” ”
THE HORROR!!
We judge people based on their actions, because they should NOT be doing that. We are shocked when imperfect people act imperfectly! How does God see them?
I remember when I was in the 5th grade there was this girl who was a bully. I still remember her entire name. It was…haha, just kidding! She was so mean and hateful to me and I really just couldn’t stand her. She was also scary. I remember she got suspended and her mom called and yelled at the principal and they rescinded her suspension. It was crazy! I remember complaining about her to my Mom and I honestly can’t remember what my Mom said, but I do remember that she began explaining why she might have acted the way she did. I remember feeling so frustrated with my Mother…how could she stick up for her? I mean, that girl was crazy! You know, in that moment I didn’t realize the invaluable lesson that my Mother was instilling in me: the ability to look through a filter of how God sees people, instead of taking them at face value and judging them by their actions.
Having that “God filter” feels impossible unless you have a true understanding of how much God loves you. Seeing people God’s way is so important! It puts us in a place where we stop judging people for where they are, so we can bring the awesome gift of salvation to them and help them to mature and grow!
Of anyone that I’ve ever met, my mother is the greatest example of being able to see the good in someone. Do you know that it’s not a testament to who she is, but to who Jesus is inside of her? It used to drive me absolutely crazy! I’d go to her to vent about something or someone (like my 5th grade nemesis) bothering me and she would respond with some explanation about how maybe they were just tired or didn’t realize how they came across.
Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” My Mother is GREAT about letting her light shine. Sometimes, we act like the “mean girls” of the Christian world by looking down on people because of where they are in their lives. It’s kind of hard to let your light shine if your ugly attitude snuffs it out!
~Danielle Paden~
My Not So Perfect, Perfect Life Blog
http://danigirl1982.blogspot.com