I Was Wrong
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
I have come face to face with my judgmental spirit. With shifty eyes, it sees only the faults in others. From its mouth come audible sighs of impatience. The feet of this ugly trait move quickly to avoid contact and conversation. Feelings of others are ignored. Using humor, it makes fun and disrespectfully rolls its eyes.
This nasty spirit shaped my old mantra: I am better than you. It has been within me for a long, long time but only recently did I become aware of its depth.
We have become judgmental. We have all experienced those whom we just sort of “write off” and snub. For whatever excuse, we are uncomfortable with their challenges or quirkiness. Yet the very same God who brought us into this world also created them. We are all here at the same time for a reason and season.
We cross paths with those whom God chooses for us. I am not enjoying my humble pie! The person I was judging has become a good and true friend. It took being grounded with a fracture to open my eyes and see my negative unwelcome spirit.
Yes, I am on the mend—both physical and spiritual. Everyday I look forward to new, adorable text messages from her telling me of God’s love. Throughout the day, she reminds me to count my blessings from my recliner. Telling me that I am her sister in Christ is now a delightful thought.
Her deep faith shines for others to see and she is not afraid to share it. I never thought I would need her to help build mine… but I do.
You see, I was wrong. I missed some precious time but the good news is that it is not too late. I am not even sure she knows what I was thinking. Someday maybe I will explain. Maybe it is enough for me to just confess that I was wrong.
Another life lesson: A true friend of God loves as He does. There is no picking and choosing, no haughtiness, no better than thoughts. Just love.
Loving Father, thank You for showing us our wrongdoing. While painful, You hold our feeble hand as we walk through each moment of our transformation. Please give us the desire to be more like You. AMEN.