You have heard it said, “Nobody’s perfect”. Why then, knowing this is a fact, do we sometimes expect others to live up to our standards..instead of God’s standards? He is the only perfect One. As those who have accepted the free gift of salvation (Christians), we are called to be patient, humble, kind and gentle with everyone. Not just the ones we like the most.
Ephesians 4:2 (NIV) ~ Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
We all have faults..believers and those who have not accepted Christ. If you are a believer (Christian), you are called(commanded) to be accepting and also to be humble, patient and gentle. Even if the other person(or people) annoy you to no end!
The only way to do this is to rely on God. We have to rely on His strength during these difficult times.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) ~ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Philippians 4:13 ~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
We have to keep our focus on God. Instead of looking at other’s faults and judging them, we are to pray for them…to try to find something positive about them, and to be gentle in guiding them towards God. If you are a Christian, God’s love should be pouring out of you onto others.
It is so important to remember that if you profess to be a Christian, you are being watched even more closely by others. Another saying you have heard I am sure, “You may be the only Bible some people read.” Well, that is so true! Our actions and our words reflect what we truly believe in our hearts. We can draw others closer to Christ..or we can turn them away from Him just by our actions and words. As Christians we have a responsibility to reflect Christ.
Two good questions to ask yourself (myself included ) :
1) Do people see Christ in me?
2) How well do I represent or reflect Christ?
Something that I pray pretty much every day with my children is this: Dear Heavenly Father, please let others see YOU in me…let us be a light that shines for YOU in a dark world. AMEN.
Praise God! He loves me and he loves you…even though we are all far from perfect. My hearts desire is to glorify God in all that I say and do. Yes, I still mess up. When I mess up, it is because I didn’t seek Him first though. When God is leading my steps, words and actions, it all works out and brings Him glory. His way is so much better than my way or your way.
You may want to read some of my others posts that relate to this one: (SHINE, To Judge or Not to Judge..your choice, Forgetting What Lies Behind, and A NEW OLD RULE) You can also sign up to get free posts whenever I publish a new one! Feel free to share this on Twitter, Facebook, or Email. You can follow me on Twitter @hgd1973
Have a wonderful day! Blessings!
UNTIL NEXT TIME! 🙂
Hope For The Broken 
Considerably, the article is in reality the greatest on this noteworthy topic. I agree with your conclusions and also will eagerly look forward to your next updates. Saying thanks can not simply just be enough, for the wonderful clarity in your writing. I definitely will immediately grab your rss feed to stay privy of any updates. Pleasant work and much success in your business dealings!
LikeLike
my favorite question was from the book ‘Truefaced’
“Who does God say you are when He is dreaming about you?” I think just because it reminds me He is there, does love, and desires me to live into that love.
LikeLike