Sorry to burst anyone's bubble here but to no surprise, we are human too.
Yes, we make mistakes, we have arguments, disagreements, serious miscommunications, and sometimes it gets heated in the kitchen! It is a miracle to me how God still wants to use us despite our flaws, misgivings, and sinful nature.
I had found myself in the middle of some unpleasant situations this past month. Makes me think; What lessons do I still have to learn and where do I need to mature some more? But this phrase thrown at me is quite prevalent and frequently used among churchgoers: "That is not how christians behave!".
This phrase caused me to do some thinking. Why do people like to use this phrase? I could make a few conclusions, but the most obvious one is that offense was taken and the person wants to verbalize their pain. With that said, why do we put people on pedestals, have unrealistic expectations, and even expect churches to be perfect and we end up hurt and disappointed, blaming them? Aren't we the ones at fault?
I'm sure the disciples who walked with Jesus were not perfect. If they were human, weren't they bound to have arguments and words with each other? Jesus called James and John sons of thunder, definitely not an indication to me that they handled everything perfectly.
The question remains how do we handle it when we've been deeply wounded by words? I for one do not want to carry that burden. It is easy for me to forgive, but often there is still a ping in my heart when faced with that person. That is when I walk it out with Jesus. Sometimes it's a quick walk. Other times it takes years. And sometimes I just have to remind myself that Jesus got it when it wants to resurface.
Another toffee is how to stay calm and collected when faced with difficult people. In the flesh it is impossible, but in spirit yes. Loving Jesus does not mean I do everything perfectly, but it does change the condition of my heart and intentions.
James 1: 19, 20 + 26 "...let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. If any man among you seem to be religious and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain."
In conclusion: We're all called to a greater maturity and have more grace on each other. Let us pursue it and be willing to grow together.
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