If we could see...(revisited)

We all wear masks. Masks that tell others we are "ok" when we really aren't. In public most of us pretend we have it together, all is well, but if we could see what others struggle with it would change how we interact with each other.

If we could see that a friend is insecure how would we treat them?

If we could see that a neighbor is afraid what would we do?

If we could see that a co-worker is depressed what would you say?

If we could see what's really going on with each other it would change everything......but we can't. We all wear masks to make the world think we are "ok", but imagine how our relationships would change if we could see what's really going on in a life? It would change everything!

What's fascinating to me is that Jesus did see. He heard the unspoken words, he knew the unheard thoughts, he knew. And because he knew he dealt with people in a merciful and gracious way. He loved them. Here are his words for us, profound words for us who can't see what the other person is going through, but if we could see this is what we would do....

"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”"

So, here are your instructions for the day as you encounter the host of fallen mankind that will make your day crazy- be merciful, don't judge, don't condemn, forgive, and give. These are Jesus' words to us because we can't see....

(I wrote this piece several years ago.  It's more important than ever for us who live in a culture changing so quickly.  Our responses to a world in fear are the greatest evidence of God in us, the only hope of glory.  It's vital that we live out the love of God to those around us.  It is the evidence of God in our lives and in our world.)