I spoke with a friend yesterday who is facing a Christmas heartache. A member of their family is having trouble and doing some things that they do not agree with. Some have suggested that this person not be allowed to attend Christmas this year.
Dear friends, there is a difference between what we may think or feel, and what we actually do. As followers of Christ, we are called to rise above our feelings and offer grace. It doesn't mean that you have to agree with everything that everyone is doing, but Mercy rejoices over judgment. We can welcome one another and at least be civil.
12Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! James 2:12-13
Do we want to be judged and thrown away for the things that we have done wrong? Is what that person has done really any worse than my sin? In five years will we feel good about excluding them? Is that the message of Christmas that we want to send- "Jesus is born, but you are not welcome because you are misbehaving." I thought the whole point of Christmas was that Jesus was sent to those who were misbehaving.
Mercy is better than judgment. Grace is better than guilt. If we would see the good, we have to offer the same grace to others that we want for ourselves.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13
Its a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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I was reading a small piece in the special section of the Star Magazine this past weekend. It was about pets and how they interact with us. “Pets are non-threatening. They’re accepting. They’re not judgmental. You can have the worst day at the office, you can ruin all the contracts, you can lose three customers, but when you come home at night your dog doesn’t care about any of that. Your dog is just so happy to see you.” We could all learn from that; couldn’t we? Kind of how we are suppose to be as Christians. Scratch that. Exactly how we are supposed to be. We all have “souls” no matter which side of the ball we are on. I heard that in a sermon at WCC not to long ago. Some souls are lost a little. Some are mis-guided. Those of us whose souls are really in sync with God’s purpose need to remember the time(s) we were in that place. We didn’t dig ourselves out. Someone helped. Maybe many people helped. Kind words draw us in and refresh our souls.
Peace,
Lion's Den Man
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