Thoughts
I used to be upset when I would visit churches and see that nobody was raising their hands, or dancing before the Lord like David, or singing along with tears in their eyes. I thought that they were trying to look so put together and that they couldn’t feel the Holy Spirit. I really thought that I could be the judge of that, me in all my humanness.
I came to realize that God honors people’s “yes”. If a person had a hard morning before church and all they could do was show up, that was their “yes” to God. He knows the effort that it takes. If a person is growing in their walk with God, and they don’t feel comfortable dancing before the Lord or crying with Jesus yet but they are giving all they can give in that moment, that is a “yes” that God will always honor. He is more interested in honoring where you are, meeting you in the middle, holding you, growing you, and beholding you. He can do a lot with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. He honored the woman that could only give 2 small copper coins by saying she held more treasure in Heaven than all the other people that gave much more (Mark 12:41-44). He knows the effort, every single moment makes memory before Him. It is not for me to judge.
We all have been both, the judge and the judged.
-For when you have been the judge–
“Haven’t you experienced how kind and understanding he has been to you? Don’t mistake his tolerance for acceptance. Do you realize that all the wealth of his extravagant kindness is meant to melt your heart and lead you into repentance?” (Romans 2:4).
-For when you have been judged–
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19).
“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:18).
–Mariana Tabares – Community Manager at Galilee Life