Illustration of a protester activist unionist union worker srtiking holding up a placard sign shouting done in retro style set inside circle.

I hated the church for many years.

The judgmental stares with a  holier than thou  attitude that some displayed. I never felt good enough to be in attendance. Even today I find some of the church repulsive at best.

 I understand that the church is made up of imperfect humans and only one perfect human walked this earth. I get it.

But, I wonder sometimes do we ever as a whole stop and pause what we look like to the outside world?

Last week I witnessed a server almost in tears because a track was left and rent is due. I understand where a track might let someone know the path to salvation but leaving a track instead of a tip or with a poor tip is counterproductive.The church to an outsider is sometimes lacking. How much is a person saving from leaving a bad tip, is it worth someone’s eternity? If we can’t as a whole get along in a church, why would others want to join into chaos? If we treat our enemies with revenge instead of love, how are we different?

For years I felt judged, condemned by the ones who were suppose to love me and show Christ’s love.

Instead I felt shame and equated that to God.

We tend to judge non believers who don’t have the Holy Spirit living in them. Christians have a counselor inside of them Non-Christians don’t. Big difference.

Mathew 5:43-48, covers loving our enemies.

43 ““You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.””

Jesus spoke truth in love.

Jesus might not have approved of someone’s actions or sins, but he Loved the person.

The woman at the well didn’t run away in shame. She ran to tell others of Christ’s love.

I have sometimes needed truth spoke in love at other times I have needed just a listening ear with compassionate empathy. If we are called to be lights in darkness. We need to pray myself included before speaking and judging.

I need to pause.

I don’t want to hamper someone from progressing in his or her growth, becoming a Christian, or not having unity in the Church.

Prayer for today:

Please Lord grant me wisdom to know when to speak truth, when to listen, when to show up and just be there for someone. I want to be a light and not a hindrance for your kingdom. In Jesus name, amen.