Here's a self-check: Often, and let's venture to say usually, our recognition and judgement of the apparent sins and shortcomings of others is sadly merely the product of our own self-righteous expectations of that person or group, high standard that lacks room for grace, an outlook and opinion of ourself that is all too high, and/or deep-rooted bitterness. We forget how much grace God, the most harshly offended Party in the universe and the most-gracious forgiver in the universe) has shown us. We fail to remember that indeed we are the greatest of sinners and the most-wretched--and far more than those we erroneously judge.
Has a person or a group of persons offended you? No surprise. People are human, and groups of people increase the weaknesses and possibility of offense. But at the same time, grace is provided to do mighty things through any circumstance, shortcoming, sin, or offense.
How truly amazing the grace of God is!
Recommended Resources
Even while reading this excellent book there is the possibility to not pursue peace by accusing others of not keeping it. We've all failed to keep it, and that's why we need this book. Let's get the plank out of our own eye and not worry about the spec in another's eye at the moment. Because when we are humbled and accept human weakness and extend the grace we have received to others, we will be able to speak the truth in love.
