Self-Righteousness

disappointed

Why do we listen to other people's opinions of others and allow it to effect our relationships with them. As believers we should really watch what we are saying about others and examine our hearts for our reasons for saying them. Unfortunately we as humans are so swayed by the opinions of others and are intrigued by information about people. Why?

What really boggles my mind are those who teach the gospel, or serve in leadership and yet with their relationship with others act contrary to what they teach. And I have been guilty of doing just this at times, and it is only by humbling myself and asking for forgiveness that I am able to move on. We so many times will portray people as "godly" individuals yet fail to see true fruit in their lives, and then with the people we least expect to be considered "godly" we fail to do the same. And we must remember that the word says, "The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7b. So many times we set standards of what righteousness is according to our own view point and fail to see God's view. His ways are not ours, they are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). The Lord talked about the people who acknowledged Him with their lips but their hearts were far from him (Matt. 15:8). I pray none of us become these people. That we wouldn't hold others up to our standards and our rules that were never intended for believers. I pray that we would forget what Jesus delivered us from and because of that realization we would have grace on others. The bible says that a righteous man fall 7 times but we are to forgiven him 70 times 7, and unless you are keeping actually tabs on people that is almost infinite number of times. So please guard your ears on what you hear and don't allow it to poison what you think about another believer. Because in the end it is only the other person who will have to have their reputation restored, as well as their heart and fellowship with others. So what ever you have "heard" about another please disregard unless you are directly involved or have witnessed the situation otherwise keep in mind, 1 Corinthians 10:12 "If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin."

Blessings
Angelia