Transparent Strength

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Romans 15:1

My goodness, does this verse ask so much!! I mean seriously! That's like asking a toddler to perform open heart surgery! Or.... is it? 

Could it be that we make this out to be more than it is? I mean, when we have a weakness, we want people to bear with us. We say things like "please be patient with me, GOD is not through with me yet" which is also a song, or we plaster bumper stickers on our car that say "Under Construction." And that's okay because God is NOT done with us until we get Home! But we tend to be what I recently heard described as "me centered," and forget that others need this same grace from us.

I tend to have this "me centeredness" when it comes to family, mostly, but everyone at some point. My mom and kids tend to be unknowing targets at times. I can be very apt to want them to show grace if I'm late or forget something but then get angry when the same happens with them.

Most recently, my mom and I were going through a rough patch and I had forgotten to do something for her that was important. I reluctantly told her and braced myself for the backlash because this was really important to her. I wanted her to show me grace, however when I told her and she blew up at me, I didn't show the same grace. You see, I am one of those people that don’t like things to be repeated. I don’t know why, but I can't stand that! And this particular day, among other things that were happening, my mom wanting to go over what I had forgotten, just was not in my fave list. Simply put, I did not want to be reminded of my "failings". And so I in turn blew up at her. I'm so thankful that GOD does not keep account of our failings and bears with us. Aren't you? 

Think about the rude store clerk, customer service person, your child's teacher or church family member that rubs you the wrong way. This verse is for them as much as it's for you. Remember that we are bearing with those who are weak, those who go back to the drug or the abuser or the crutch that we minster to them about; not to please us but to help them. 

LORD, thank You that You forgive my selfish rants, my self-centered ways that block the view of people the way You see them. Help me to remember today that my view is not the same and to look at everyone from Your eyes. Amen!