February 19
Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been give you from above; therefore he who delivered me to you has the greater sin.” John 19:11
Tattle-tale! Remember that word when we were young and how we looked with disdain on that one kid you could count on to be the teller of all the tales going on, and the repercussions that information would create? Too little to understand the impact of his or her actions and encouraged by the attention from the other kids, as well as misguided adults, their behavior persisted. It helps me to understand this passage.
As adults we would never deliberately hand someone over to be the victim of scorn or oppression! Not us! We presume that “we” are not included in this sin. Yet when we hand others over, by tarnishing a reputation or treating another human being without respect - through our contempt of them, haughtiness, assumed superiority, false judgment etc. we are guilty of exactly that. Our Heavenly Father allows us the freedom to choose our actions, and the resulting consequences of these events are our own doing.
In an immature attempt to look good in the eyes of others, to belong to a certain group or status, or to control others, do we act without thinking about the consequences? Do we do what we feel we must to fit in or to accomplish what WE want without consideration of another’s feelings or reputation? Do we forget that our God knows the true intention in our hearts? He understands our need to belong, when our efforts perhaps are misplaced or even when we may know full well that we have compromised our integrity, for the sake of behaving in a manner other than that which God ordains us to.
Like the schoolyard chum who inadvertently “throws everyone under the bus,” each of us is capable of creating much havoc and discomfort to those around us when our motives are selfish for a myriad or reasons and excuses. Whether we are cognizant of our motives or not, the damage is done. Sin is painful. We are not perfect; only God is. When we fail, our God is leading us to greater understanding of ourselves and others. He is providing an opportunity for growth in awareness of what matters in life. As Helen Keller is so eloquently quoted as stating, those "best and most beautiful things in the world . . . must be felt with the heart." Love, understanding and compassion.
Omnipotent God! Fill our sometimes self-seeking, cold hearts with your love and compassion!
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson