We all may be spiritually sensitive Christians, and many are taught or are learning to be spiritually discerning. But don't forget that because we are spiritually sensitive, we too can also be spiritually deceived. Especially by the way we think we see people. This has been on my heart to share, and I know it's relatable to many.
Not everyone perceives their faith and love for Christ in the same way someone else does. We are individual beings for a reason. So why judge them? It's our job to reflect on Gods Word daily, yes. But that doesn't mean we all do it in the same way. If someone doesn't bring their faith up in a friendly conversation first hand that doesn't mean we should assume we know where they are coming from or that they don't believe in the same scripture as you. By our experiences, knowledge, past, gifts, and everyday life. Everyone has a very individual perspective that touches the people they're called to minister to. God made us exquisitely different to reach different people.
It's enormously easy to get offended by other Christians where you instantly get the feeling that they misunderstood you. And truthfully, that's going to happen. We are not perfect people and sometimes arguing your point will get you no where closer to that person. The more you talk, the more space there is for them to judge. So speak wisely. We aren't meant to just 'get along' with every Christian out there. That time will come in heaven but until then, our only calling towards one another is to listen and support in love. By listening in love eventually you may end up respecting that person for what they are trying to say. But if you do not give them time to listen with love, your idea about that person can become poison and might affect their lives. It's our job to rebuke that offensive spirit Satan is constantly trying to imbed in our thoughts because our God is much greater than that.
We have a choice. You can hurt people not only by your words but by your body language. Everything is an expression of the heart. If you want to know who a person really is, then bring your thought, lips and hearts in subjection to God.
Psalm 34:13-14
"Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking deceit.
Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it."
Then all you have to do is listen to the words of the person in front of you. Seek peace before you aim for an action. If you let them speak long enough you will learn something about them. Sometimes as Christians we tend to shut someone down when we think we know what their going to say or start over talking them because we think we can get our thoughts about a subject better. Now think about that. How negative or degrading of a person do you think you just came across to that person? Doesn't matter what you think your status is or not. We are all leaders on this this with different potentials and we are all followers of Christ. Everyone of us with the same purpose. To love as Christ loves us; Which is truly the base of any ministry.
We all have things to work on but it's not our constant duty to point those out to ourselves and work on them. Deep down we all know what it is true and if not, ask God to reveal those things to you. He'll only guide you with love and give you strength to become more like Him daily. Any and all real wisdom is derived from our Maker alone and not what we feel deemed to claim what we know first.
“Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.” Proverbs 28:26
We tend to be prideful in our human talents or somehow finding out the worst in someone rather than their strengths or seperately calling than yours. How else would you know someone's strengths without getting to know them?
“The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.” Proverbs 3:35
My husband and I are by no means behind a pulpit or hold ourselves in knowledge higher than anyone else but like all of you, we are called to one thing. And that's to minister with the hearts of God towards the people we are called to reach.