I forget that I was once a begger and sometimes can still be one.
I forget that I once was an adultress chasing after other gods - and sometimes even now I can be one.
I forget that I have been a thief. I have been unkind and spoken harsh words to those I love. And I have thoughts that you would call murder. I have sought my own desires and given into my own greed.
Oh Father I forget that my heart was once black, ugly and far from you.
Oh Father please forgive me and help me to remember that it is only in the work of the cross that you see me as clean, holy and righteous. I have done nothing to deserve your grace and mercy.
When I begin to look at those believers who are not following the the standards I think they should help me to see them through your eyes of grace and mercy. Help me to not judge them or lift myself up. Help me to love and encourage them.
Father, thank you for your Word to me today that sliced open my heart to see the sin of selfrighteousness and judgementalism. I hate these sins - especially in my own heart!! I am sure you hate them too. Thank you for your grace and mercy and your willingness to show me. Now I pray that I may allow you to change my heart in this area and that I might see my brothers and sisters in Christ as you see them - not through eyes of judgement but eyes of love.
Romans 20:1,4,10-13,19
such a good reminder. I've done this before. There's nothing more eye opening, other than the work of the HOly Spirit, than being with a believer who looks on you with judgement! I am in that situation myself with someone who talks about her "high standards"...which automatically puts us who don't do things her way in the "not so high standards" category! How frustrating to be in that situation! It makes me pray "Father, I pray that I will never do that to another person!" I don't like to think of things in terms of "high standards"...I just like to say that I am in a process of growth and and pursuing Godliness, and Godly standards. So far, God has seemed to lead our family in a particular way, but I am open to the fact that He could show me an area that I am walking in error and I willing to change! When I hold up MY standard, then I am not focusing on God. How ugly that is! I don't want to be that way!
ReplyDeletebeing non-judgemental is so hard to do and difinitely one of my weaknesses. knowing God gives us grace and mercy helps me to do so to others.
ReplyDeletethanks for your sharing such personal thoughts. i'm sure it helps all who read your words.
Love the new look on the blog and your cool pic.......... how are you doing girl? I have been so gone for a while and need to get back into the groove and read some blogs....... I will try not to be MIA for much longer........
ReplyDeleteHugs
I just love IOW because everyone has a different take on the same concept. Not only do we need to accept His mercy towards us, we need to give it to others. The more we understand His grace in our lives, the more we willingly share it with others.
ReplyDeleteI struggle with the same things, and I get so frustrated with myself because of that... but praise God for His unending mercy and grace and His forgiveness! Thanks for sharing your heart!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!