So I saw a lady that I have not seen in years the other day. We began to talk and she was telling me she had divorced, which I was not surprised for when I had seen and talked to her more often I could tell she was not happy and it wasn't a good marriage. Anyway, she was talking about her boyfriend and that his divorce would be final soon and that he was a new Christian and that they tried going to church at some different places but were afraid that people would condemn them, so had a hard time going consistently.
Why do we as Christians do that to others? I told this person what I felt was the honest truth. It's going to happen, no matter where you go. We all sin, just because I don't know someone's sin doesn't mean they don't sin. Just because I do doesn't mean I should point it out to them every time I do. I think it is so sad that we lose potentially great Christians because people are scared you will figure out their sin if they don't constantly point out yours. I don't remember Jesus winning over people by condemning them, He acknowledged their sin but He did not add to their burden He offered them a way out. Isn't that our role as Christians today, to show them He is the way out of our sin.
I know I am not perfect and I know no one else is either. Isn't that what Grace and Mercy are about? I want to know the real people, the people that Jesus sees and loves. I believe if people can't see your faults they probably aren't going to see your gifts either. I feel it might be impossible to hide one part of your life and yet be completely transparent in another part. If you are keeping your sin in the shadows it is going to eventually shadow the good as well. Don't you think the reason God can love us so much is He can see all of us and knows how those pieces fit together? That is the person I want to know the one He sees. It breaks my heart when I hear people that are afraid to go and worship out fear of other sinners' judgement.
John 8:7 NCV
When they continued to ask Jesus their question, he raised up and said, “Anyone here who has never sinned can throw the first stone at her.”
You know some people might say we don't have stonings in this day and age but I say they have been altered slightly. Instead of actually throwing rocks we throw words and looks of condemnation, accusations and gossip. You know I told this woman, if you want to go to church you should go, as long as you are right with God it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. He is the only one who matters and He will give you what you need. The one I worry about is the new Christian, what do we show him about Christianity, what are we teaching him about love, mercy, compassion and Grace? How will he grow into a mature Christian in our churches today?
