TO THE BIBLE: Luke 6:37 MSG
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults–unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier.”
LET’S TALK
In Genesis 18, the Lord told Abraham he was going to have a son by his wife Sarah. Sarah was eavesdropping on the conversation, and when she heard what the Lord said to her husband, she laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” (Genesis 18:12). Responding to her unbelief, God asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh?” (Genesis 18:13). The Bible says, “…Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. And He said, “No, but you did laugh!”” (Genesis 18:15). God could have scolded her thus: “You mean in my presence, you dare tell a lie?!” But no, He wasn’t mad at her. Instead, He said to her lovingly, “No, but you did laugh” (Genesis 18:15), and left it at that.
The Lord didn’t attack Sarah’s person or make her feel less than herself. He was easy on her, because He knew the reason she lied was because she was afraid, and the solution for fear is faith which works by love. He expects you to be the same way with people. When they come around you, they should leave you confident, inspired, courageous, and enthusiastic to face life and win, rather than feel dejected and doubtful of themselves. Let people be confident and free to be themselves around you; they shouldn’t be afraid to “fail” or make mistakes around you.
Every human person is bought with and washed by the blood of Jesus Christ; we’re sanctified by God, and are therefore valuable to Him. When you see, relate with, and talk to people with this understanding, they’ll be confident in themselves and know that’s how God sees them too. Thus, instead of running away from God if they do something wrong, they’ll run to Him and accept His love and forgiveness.
Go Deeper
Luke 6:36; Matthew 5:7; 1 Peter 4:8
Pray
Merciful Father, I thank you for loving and accepting me, and teaching me to shower others with the same kindness, and cover them always with your love. I’m confident in your love always, and sufficient in your sufficiency, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
1 Corinthians 5, Psalms 117-118
TWO YEAR
Luke 17:31-37, 1 Samuel 5-6
Act
Learn to use pleasant words as you address people today and onwards.