The Stick of Righteousness
Sometimes people feel that it’s ok to be harsh toward others. A common line you might have heard or said is, “The truth hurts, deal with it.”
In the same way, we can sometimes be very rough with a person who has some sin in his/her life. “Don’t you know that you…” and the lecture begins.
I’ve come to realize that people are pretty smart. Often they know in their heart of hearts what is immoral. Allowing them to save face is very important. Some gentle guidance, some lifting up; some helping hand…is much more effective than beating the spiritually sick with a stick of righteousness.
And thus Jesus said simply to the woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” (John 8:11)
Today, put on that gentleness of Christ.
With love, always,
—Luke