Harsh Words in John 8:21-30
Reflection from The Word Among Us on being admonished:
"How would you respond if Jesus told you what he told the Jews? 'You will die in your sin. I have much to say about you in condemnation.' You might be more than a little offended by such talk. But John tells us that to at least some people his words had the opposite affect - 'As he was saying these things, many believed in him' (John 8:30).
It may not be apparent, but Jesus' heart was filled with compassion when he spoke this way. He could see through their self-deception, and the truth of his words penetrated them with divine power. Lent may not always be a comfortable time. We may hear Jesus ask 'Have you loved as much as you should? Have you been more concerned with your own comfort than you have cared about others? Have you spent time with me in prayer?' If we are open to the Holy Spirit, when Jesus points out our sins and failings we won't hear words of criticism but words of encouragement that give us the power to change. Let's decide to listen to Jesus still, small voice. He speaks to us because he wants us to become like him, not to condemn us."
Let's also stay open-minded to each other. We obviously all don't have perfect advice like Jesus would, but it's important to realize that as friends we should listen carefully and consider what we have to say to each other, even when it's critical, because it is offered in love. I think that a friend who stays quiet while you make a big mistake because he/she does not want to hurt your feelings is not being an effective friend.
"How would you respond if Jesus told you what he told the Jews? 'You will die in your sin. I have much to say about you in condemnation.' You might be more than a little offended by such talk. But John tells us that to at least some people his words had the opposite affect - 'As he was saying these things, many believed in him' (John 8:30).
It may not be apparent, but Jesus' heart was filled with compassion when he spoke this way. He could see through their self-deception, and the truth of his words penetrated them with divine power. Lent may not always be a comfortable time. We may hear Jesus ask 'Have you loved as much as you should? Have you been more concerned with your own comfort than you have cared about others? Have you spent time with me in prayer?' If we are open to the Holy Spirit, when Jesus points out our sins and failings we won't hear words of criticism but words of encouragement that give us the power to change. Let's decide to listen to Jesus still, small voice. He speaks to us because he wants us to become like him, not to condemn us."
Let's also stay open-minded to each other. We obviously all don't have perfect advice like Jesus would, but it's important to realize that as friends we should listen carefully and consider what we have to say to each other, even when it's critical, because it is offered in love. I think that a friend who stays quiet while you make a big mistake because he/she does not want to hurt your feelings is not being an effective friend.
posted by Professor X at
7:18 AM
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