Christ's Character

Last week was such an interesting week.  I saw God answer prayers that I had quit praying about, but I also had some major set backs in some relationships that I value greatly.  But through these circumstances God brought me to a place of realization and learning.  NO ONE IS PERFECT.

Reality is, I've sinned and messed up royally.  Other people sin and mess up royally too.  But despite their mess ups I have to respond with grace and mercy.  Maybe it's because of my pride, maybe it's because I have too high standards, but that is a hard task for me to live by even if it's in God's Word.

Proverbs 17.9 says, "Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and good-bye friend" (Message).

An acquaintance of mine, Joshua Watts, tweeted last week, "One of the greatest marks of bearing Christ's character is our response to someone else's sin."

Is it possible that one of the reasons I'm so mad is because my friend's failure reminds me of my own downfalls?  Could it be that their failure to "live by the rules" makes me struggle with my own desire to live completely, 100%, sold-out?  Do I "hate" them because "they" made me question my faith?  No, I don't hate them...but I'm scared.  I'm scared that if they can mess up then I might too.

Truth is even when I mess up, because I will, God's grace and mercy is a covering over my life.

My prayer:  Lord, help me to respond with grace, mercy, and understanding.  We are fallen creatures who live in a fallen world.  You are love and your love helps me to cast out all fear.  Help me to live completely dependent on your love alone and help me to bear your character when my friends fall.  Because more than I want anything I want to point others to You and Your love.