Thursday, August 3, 2023

Some weeks ago, after listening to a friend once again complain that his food did not taste right, I decided to challenge him. I had become weary of hearing the same complaint over and over again. He reported that no matter where or what he ate, his food did not taste good. It was abundantly clear to me his body was attempting to tell him something. Obviously, there had to be something inside him causing his taste buds to go haywire.

I can now chuckle about that conversation because he has finally stepped into seeking medical answers for this on-going problem. Gratefully, two life-threatening medical conditions have been ruled out, and hopefully, a solution is within reach.

As I contemplated how frustrating it was for me to listen to my friend’s recurring complaint, and his refusal to seek medical attention, an undeniable reality hit me. Countless times, I have similarly and repeatedly complained to an audience—just like my friend. And in a valiant attempt to find differences between his situation and mine, I found none. Nada. Zero. Zip. Ouch!

Fortunately, the potent salve offered through the Word of God is the only place I can comfortably land in this scenario. Often, it is not a soft landing for me. In fact, even my best landings are often bumpy.

This week’s focus on Colossians 3 perfectly illustrates where I fell short with my friend.

Colossians 3:13-15
¹³ Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. ¹⁴ Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. ¹⁵ And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful (emphasis added.)

Making allowances and seeking understanding for my friend’s reluctance in seeking medical care was not at the top of my list. The top item on my list was: “Has it not occurred to you that God designed your body to offer signals when medical attention is needed?”

Clearly, the brief commentary I offered does not reflect God's heart. Though, it does not disqualify me as a Christ-follower either. However, it exposes the condition of my heart. Cracks exist in the spiritual foundation of my soul. Extending the grace God has given me to others (and to myself) and continuing to grow in Christ is the solution.

The same is true of every Christ-follower.

Questions:
Do you make room for other people’s faults? Do you offer them grace? What impact do you envision there could be if you made an effort to do both?

How do you demonstrate God’s grace? How has your life been impacted by accepting God's grace?

Next Steps:
Become a student of understanding God's grace. Seek to understand and apply the principle of meditating on God’s Word with a focus on Colossians 3 this week.

Prayer:
Father God, your generosity of grace is beyond comprehension. Each time I fall to my knees in prayer, you are there waiting, always available, and ready to listen to the pleas of my heart. Really listen. You are the great restorer of my soul. Thank you for taking my broken pieces and knitting them together according to your purpose. Thank you for the promise of Romans 8:28:

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (NASB).

Your faithfulness to your holy word continues to be demonstrated as I open my heart to you and lay my struggles at your feet. Thank you for never-ending second chances! In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Colossians 1:23
But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.