A Mirror to the Soul
Encountering Judgment
I recently had a thought-provoking conversation with a hitchhiker I picked up. He was vocal about his criticism towards his Christian landlord, repeatedly saying, “If that’s what being a Christian is, then I don’t want any part of it.” Despite my attempts to steer the conversation towards his need for Christ, he kept circling back to the negative experiences he had with his landlord.
A Glimpse of Forgiveness
As we arrived at his destination, we lingered in the car for a bit longer. Interestingly, he commented that our conversation had softened his heart, and he felt compelled to work on forgiving his landlord. I was struck by the irony – here was someone eager to forgive the person who had caused him to stumble, yet he remained unaware of the ultimate forgiveness available to him through Christ.
A Prayer for Us All
This encounter led me to reflect on the importance of living a life that glorifies God. As I prayed, I asked that we might not cause anyone to stumble, whether they be Jews, Greeks, or members of the church of God. May we strive to please everyone in every way, seeking the good of many, so that they may be saved (1 Corinthians 10:31-33).
The Power of Observation
As we interact with others, we must remember that our actions are under scrutiny. We have many observers, watching and judging our behavior. Harsh judgments can be devastating, killing one’s spirit and leaving them feeling desolate. On the other hand, our actions can also bear fruit, inspiring others and drawing them closer to God.
A Call to Reflection
So, how do you interact with others? Do your words and actions reflect the love of Christ, or do they drive people away? Take a moment to examine your heart and ask yourself: am I a positive influence, or a stumbling block? May we all strive to live in a way that brings glory to God and inspires others to seek Him.
Leave a Reply