The World in Which We Live
Being judgmental is easy in the day and age in which we live. Which can make it more difficult to be merciful, and gracious towards others. It is interesting that many who advocate for tolerance are some of the least tolerant people on the planet. Their point of view basically says, “As long as you see things our way, you’re a good person.” May Heaven help you if you don’t!
The problem is they cannot see beyond their own point of view, which means they will not tolerate differing ones; much less, those who hold them. This is especially true of ideologues. Mirror time! If we’re honest with ourselves, how many of us would have to admit we lean in that direction to various degrees? The world in which we live teaches people to despise those of believe differently, or if you like, don’t believe at all.
Have you ever found yourself judging others, because they don’t believe, think or act the way you think they should? Are you quick to speak your mind, or even offer unsolicited advice to those who are not as “enlightened” as yourself? Are you able to freely share the Gospel, instead of condemning them out of hand? Do you have a heart that actually loves the “unlovable?” Which means you can see past their so-called flaws, and reach out to them. Hey Christian, isn’t that the call? Did Jesus ever say, “Only make disciples of lovable people?”
Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age (NASB).”
Empathy: Try to Understand
Proverbs 20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Part of walking a Spirit-filled life in which one is merciful, and gracious towards others is empathy. This is a big help if one struggles with judgment. Stepping back, and at least trying to see where others come from goes a long way. In many instances, we do not know what makes others tick.
We are unaware of how they grew up, and what they were taught in their formative years. We don’t know their life experiences, good or bad. All these things influence the way they believe, think and act. For instance, a person may decide he is an atheist, because he is angry at God. He blames God for something tragic that caused much pain. Atheism is his way to lash out at Him. It would be easy to write him off when he says to you, “I’m an atheist. I don’t believe in fairy tales!” Go deeper!
The focus here is not atheism; however, getting to the root cause of the problem may help in reconciling the individual to God in this example. There may be cases in which individuals live in self-destructive ways in order to fulfill a narrative they believe about themselves (i.e., “I’m not worthy of love, nor a better life.” “I’m evil,” and so on). Unfortunately, those behaviors impact others negatively.
How we interact with people may either strengthen their belief, or lessen it to a degree. It may even disrupt their core belief enough for them to consider another alternative. This calls for a spirit of meekness (gentleness). It requires humility, and above all, love!
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek (gentle): for they shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Someone who is meek is one who exercises restraint. He more interested in the well-being of the other person, and chooses love over offence for their sake. “Don’t people have to take personal responsibility?” Sure, but know by and large, most are doing the best they can with what they have. Some need help. Truthfully, we all need help.
Galatians 6:1-5 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness (meekness); each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load (NASB).
