One Word: Looking Back {and The Yuckiness of My Heart} Part 2

Compassion.

God still has so much work to do in my heart to be compassionate towards others.


This past year God has caused me to truly have compassion for those hurting, grieving, the lost, hungry, lost jobs, etc.  All those things, the people can't help.  They can't help that they live in an area with a corrupt government that allows for their mistreatment, because of the economy they have lost their jobs, or because of a fire they have lost their home.  Whereas before 2010, I would have said "Oh that's so sad" and kept right on--- now it's different. I hurt for them. I pray for them.  I try to make a difference if I can.
 
But what about those that choose their circumstances?  They hurt because of choices they've made?  Well, that's when the black and white thinker I talked about yesterday comes to play.  You didn't do right, so you get what you deserve.  Justice.  I know what you're thinking, how judgemental! 

You're exactly right.  I'm judgemental.  I somehow put my sins on a rating scale.  I compare myself to others, and think my sins aren't as bad as theirs.  I think: " I am active in church, I read my bible everyday, I pray, I don't have affairs on my husband, saved myself for marriage, made all the right choices a "good girl" should make.  See how noble I am?"  Judgmental.  And be sure to know that I always compare myself to those doing worse than me. 

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. Romans 14:13


“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." Matthew 7: 1-5


The truth? 

If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.  Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else,  for each one should carry their own load. Galatians 6:3-5

My comparison shouldn't be on other human beings.  I am a sinner.   I'm impatient.  I'm selfish.  Oh boy, do I eat way more than I should.  I could keep going--but I won't.  I'm supposed to be like Jesus.  God sees my sin as equal to murder, adultery, homosexuality, etc.  Even though I know these things, it's so easy for me to pat myself on the back for doing good in the eyes of the world.

So God has so much more work to do on this sinner's heart in 2011.  More on that tomorrow....