Verse I Like:

Weekly Dose

Those of us who are extremely conscientious often think that the solution to a problem lies with the one suffering the consequences of that problem. If your relative is struggling with alcoholism, the conscientious answer is to just stop drinking. While that’s technically right, it doesn’t account for any nuance. It’s far too simplified a view of such a complex reality.

It seems the correct response is one that draws from a reservoir of grace. To some extent, we have to walk the line between grace and judgment. Too much grace, and you risk drifting into the delusion of naivety. Too much judgment, and there’s no room for progress—and for the inherent messiness of trying to pull yourself out of the mud.

So, to all of my fellow conscientious folk, I think it’s our duty to work on patience, understanding, and grace. I know I need to learn to walk that line better.

There’s always room for improvement.

Quotes I Like:

Mane Message

While Paul was in prison in Rome, he wrote the book of Romans, which is a letter addressed to the early Christian believers living in the heart of the empire. In chapter two, Paul makes a bold observation: the same people who are quick to judge others are often guilty of the very things they condemn.

A tale as old as time. Christ’s main adversaries in the gospel accounts are the Pharisees—the hypocritical teachers of the law. Even stereotypes of Christians today reveal the level of resonance this has. But we must realize, judgment has a way of circling back, especially when it isn’t paired with humility or grace.

At best, judgment is supposed to be used carefully and redemptively. It should be used to correct, not condemn. But at its worst, it becomes a tool for self-righteousness. A mirror turned outward instead of inward.

Those who would wield justice and judgement as a weapon often do this to feel morally superior for noticing someone else’s flaws, completely forgetting their own mess. And in doing so, Paul says, we condemn ourselves, because we know better and still fall short.

There’s a reason Paul felt the need to say this from a prison cell. Even locked up, he saw how easy it is to miss the point of grace. We can become so focused and intent on calling out the sins of others that we stop tending to our own hearts.

And that’s a dangerous place to be. Where judgment is used not to build, but to bolster ego. When Grace is used in balance with Justice, we can properly navigate the best possible outcome. If we want to walk the line between the two, we have to stay honest about our own capacity for failure.

Only when we see ourselves clearly can we offer justice humbly and grace freely.

Weekly Ponder

If I had lived their life, made their mistakes, and carried their burdens—would I really be any different?

Am I seeking to understand or to feel superior?

Enjoying our Content?

Share it with someone who could use weekly inspiration/motivation.

Onward and Upward!