At least I never....

Ugh!  I woke up with a pain in my chest.  A severe pain in my chest.  That has happened before and I have managed to chalk it up to stress.  Today, I did the same.  You see, I went to sleep with "something on my chest" last night. 

In trying to make a point of caution, I fear my human side came out and I was critical and ungodly about an individual.  Hey, but at least I didn't call the individual names.  That should count for something shouldn't it?  At lease I didn't curse or get angry....I was just concerned for the other party that I love dearly.

At least I didn't treat the person unfairly or not acknowledge their presence.  At least I didn't.... and that's how we justify our sin.  I was very quickly reminded of Paul and rather than remember his words of "Christ died for sinners of whom I am the worst," I justified my actions.

It began with "At least I never persecuted followers of Christ"...really?  Okay so scratch that one because everytime we criticize our fellow Christian, our pastor or our church we are there-so let's move on to the next point.

At least I never "killed anyone or gave approval for their death" [Acts 7:59-8:1].  In essence isn't that what we do when we criticize another?  We can kill their spirit and rather than to take action to stop another's attacks, we join in. 

Well, at least I never.....what I "never" did was consider how my words would impact my loved one.  Although they were not "bad or evil" words, no one likes to think that their choices are being criticized.  Paul often cautioned Timothy but he did it in love. 

Often our words arrive much quicker than our actions do.  How could I display the love of God if my words got there first and they weren't complimentary?  Well I never!

I am grateful that Paul reminded me that Christ came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst even if I never......

I was shown mercy and Christ displayed his patience and continues to display his patience with me as an example for others that may believe they have no hope.  My prayer is that I may allow myself to be used as an instrument for Christ and represent him well.


Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save simners-of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.  1 Timothy 1: 15-16