I recently talked with someone vehemently adamant that if a person were a “true” Christian, they would not curse.
So, while I suggest that we should all strive to be ambassadors of Christ and live lives blameless and above reproach, we should also reflect on keeping the main things the main things.
Let me share a story of a man from a small-town man whose heart, like so many of us, bore scars unseen by the world.
As a child, he endured the torment of abuse in silence, his innocence shattered by hands that should have offered protection. Yet, he carried the weight of his pain alone, burying it deep within the recesses of his soul.
Raised in neglect by a self-absorbed parent who failed to offer love or guidance, he sought validation in the eyes of others through a life of accomplishments. Yet, no amount of accolades or achievements could fill the void left by a childhood devoid of affection.
As he grew, life unfolded in unpredictable ways. He witnessed death's cold touch firsthand and served his country honorably. But a sense of purpose still illuded him. He stood helpless as loved ones succumbed to the darkness within, their silent cries echoing in his mind like a relentless refrain. The faces of five lost to suicide, including a step-father and two roommates, seared into his memory, haunting his dreams with their silent accusations. Years of drugs and alcohol only depleted his soul and his body in constant pain.
He married and became a parent, but his past loomed large, hindering his ability to connect or love on a deeper level as he passionately desired.
In an effort to rise above the pain of his lived experience, he became a master at community engagement. He could work a room and talk with anyone, rich or poor. His week was filled with volunteerism and social service. Yet the feeling of love he longed for always managed to slip through his fingers.
Every day was a battle against the demons that threatened to consume him, his heart a battlefield where past and present clashed in a relentless struggle. He yearned for redemption, for a sense of peace that remained just out of reach.
In his quest for healing, he found solace in the embrace of Christ and a church community, where the grace of God offered hope and transformation in the midst of his pain.
And so, as he stood before the congregation, his heart laid bare before God, he whispered a prayer of gratitude for how far he had come. He was not the person he still knew he could be, but by the grace of God, he was a far cry from who he used to be. For in the eyes of God, he found acceptance and love and a beacon of light guiding him through some of the darkest of nights.
Yet, amidst his peace, judgment lurked in the shadows. Someone questioned the authenticity of his faith, citing his occasional choice of words. Reflecting on his journey, the man understood that true faith transcends outward appearances. Grateful for Christ's transformative work in his life, he now dedicates himself to sharing that transformation and spreading the good news with others. His prayer is for those who judge, that they may come to understand the depth of God's grace and mercy, and learn to let God be God.
In conclusion, let us strive to grow and improve, but ultimately let us trust in God's grace and reflect His love towards others. As Romans 14:13 advises, "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister."
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