I'm struggling this week with judgement. I'm feeling particularly empathetic with those who are dismissed because of lifestyles that go against societal norm. Not sure exactly why this is on my heart at this particular time but perhaps it is because I myself am feeling rather rejected. The rejection has come from a member of the clergy..... not my church or even a former church but rather a pastor whom I've known on a personal level and *thought* had connected with. Either that connection was false or circumstances have destroyed the bond. At any rate, the once loving person (and his wife) is now snubbing me and I can't for the life of me figure out why.
It's funny how just when we begin to be comfortable in our own skin something happens to shake that up isn't it? Perhaps I needed to bring myself down a notch or two in order to learn compassion for those who are rejected on a regular basis.
Why does it matter so much what someone has done in their past or is even doing in the present? Why do we feel the need to be so critical of the choices people make? I understand the principal that we ought to be accountable to each other and we should not tolerate sin but what is the point of ostracizing people because of it? Isn't that contrary to the actions of Christ?
Seems to me Christ befriended everyone and didn't point out their sin UNTIL they came to Him with it. Either they were ill or handicapped or demon possessed but it wasn't until they went to Christ or a loved one took them to Christ that he healed them and told them to sin no more. Interesting to me that he always healed them first...... Doesn't seem like he asked them not to sin UNTIL healing took place. Healing took place after Christ was sought out.
So the goal is to get others to seek Christ right? Why would they seek Christ when those who are called by His name are so stinking unapproachable? How can others seek Christ when some of His ordained leaders won't even give you the time of day?
I know I've been guilty of this in my past..... I've been snooty, holier than thou, too shy or a host of other excuses that have closed me off from others. To me, that's a much greater sin than anything that defies the 10 commandments. But one of the most important things I've learned in the last few years is that grace is for everyone ..... sinner, saint and anyone in between. Grace is an equalizer. We all have earthly struggles and none of us will ever be free of sin but by God's grace we are equal in His eyes. Why can't we be equal in the eyes of one another?
