As Christians, how can we be so blind at times to people's behavior? How do we just look past people doing bad, even evil things, in their past and just believe that they are "okay" people going forward? It seems like we just ignore past behavior and forget all about it. Do we, and if so, what does it mean for us and our beliefs? Let's look at a few men from the Bible and see what we may learn.
Moses fled from a murder charge in Egypt, and even went against the king (Pharaoh). Yet we see that he spoke intimately with God throughout Exodus, and even freed a group of people from slavery! He also appeared with Jesus during the transfiguration. So did Moses have mistakes in his past? Yes, but he overcame them through the Lord's forgiveness to achieve great success.
David committed adultery and even had a man killed, basically putting a hit out on him. Yet David wrote much of Psalms and is called a man after God's own heart. Was David perfect? No, but he yearned to be closer with God, even in his imperfections.
Jonah was instructed by God to go to Nineveh, but fled in the full opposite direction. Yet after his own life turnaround, he led a large city to repentance to God. Was Jonah's disobedience okay? No, it was a sin. But did he eventually overcome it to achieve God's plan?
Saul was persecuting and even killing Christians. Yet after his conversion on the Road to Damascus, he be came Paul, one of the most influential messengers of the Lord in his day. He then went on to write some of the most influential letters to churches of his day and even to the church today. Did Paul have a past that he should be ashamed of? Absolutely. But did he let it hold him back when the Lord chose to use him?
So how in the world should we view people who fled form murder charges, committed adultery, disobeyed God, and even killed Christians? Well, we can be judgmental and condemn them for their actions. Or we can dig down deep and be FORGIVING, NOT BLIND, and offer grace for past transgressions. How do you think Jesus would handle this? Better yet, how do you want Him to handle your past transgressions?
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray Lord that I can offer others the grace and mercy that you have given me. I pray that I would let go of all grudges, and predetermined judgments of people so that I may see them the way you do. Thank you for all the people in my life and in this world. Thank you for having a purpose for each and every one of us. And thank you for sending your Son to pay for my sins, a debt I could never repay. Help me be more understanding and forgiving today. Amen.
Moses fled from a murder charge in Egypt, and even went against the king (Pharaoh). Yet we see that he spoke intimately with God throughout Exodus, and even freed a group of people from slavery! He also appeared with Jesus during the transfiguration. So did Moses have mistakes in his past? Yes, but he overcame them through the Lord's forgiveness to achieve great success.
David committed adultery and even had a man killed, basically putting a hit out on him. Yet David wrote much of Psalms and is called a man after God's own heart. Was David perfect? No, but he yearned to be closer with God, even in his imperfections.
Jonah was instructed by God to go to Nineveh, but fled in the full opposite direction. Yet after his own life turnaround, he led a large city to repentance to God. Was Jonah's disobedience okay? No, it was a sin. But did he eventually overcome it to achieve God's plan?
Saul was persecuting and even killing Christians. Yet after his conversion on the Road to Damascus, he be came Paul, one of the most influential messengers of the Lord in his day. He then went on to write some of the most influential letters to churches of his day and even to the church today. Did Paul have a past that he should be ashamed of? Absolutely. But did he let it hold him back when the Lord chose to use him?
So how in the world should we view people who fled form murder charges, committed adultery, disobeyed God, and even killed Christians? Well, we can be judgmental and condemn them for their actions. Or we can dig down deep and be FORGIVING, NOT BLIND, and offer grace for past transgressions. How do you think Jesus would handle this? Better yet, how do you want Him to handle your past transgressions?
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray Lord that I can offer others the grace and mercy that you have given me. I pray that I would let go of all grudges, and predetermined judgments of people so that I may see them the way you do. Thank you for all the people in my life and in this world. Thank you for having a purpose for each and every one of us. And thank you for sending your Son to pay for my sins, a debt I could never repay. Help me be more understanding and forgiving today. Amen.
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