I was

Yesterday, I had a very brief conversation with a person who was angry with something a Pastor said in a service the previous week. Without going into any particulars, this person said they wanted to stand up and confront them. I defended the Pastor....even though I didn't attend the service this person did. I said it was not said that way at the service I was in.

I thought a lot about this brief communication yesterday. Something really bothered me about it. I was very upset with this person I call a friend. I truly felt (and still do) that this person heard what he wanted to hear. I think their personal opinions invaded what was heard....or at least, how it was received.

Why was this bothering me?

After much thought, I realized I use to be this person several years ago. I was the person who was quick to disagree with something said from the pulpit, and be critical of that person speaking. I was the person who complained to other members about what was being said. I was the person who thought I was morally above the action of division. I was the person that helped cause some dissension in a church. I was that person.

I had a choice to make.....continue to judge this person I spoke with yesterday.......or start realizing that the person I am today is not the person I was several years ago. The difference was a personal relationship with Jesus. If Jesus could change me, then surely HE can change this other person. If Jesus could offer grace and forgiveness to me, then surely HE could offer it to this person.

It is often uncomfortable having God use situations from our past to develop our character for the future. These "growing pain" moments is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. It becomes a spiritual marker in our lives (if we let it), because it reminds us of where God brought us from. It reminds us of how ugly we were to God, yet he loved us anyway. It reminds us not to judge others, because we were once in their same shoes. It reminds ME that I still have a lot of growing to do in my walk.....and Jesus is still working at my character.

What's next? What is the best way to handle a situation or conversation like the one I experienced yesterday? I'm not completely sure. I do know that I was reminded that I once was that person, so I should not be judging....but to offer grace and forgiveness. My character has changed because of Jesus.

I was that person. I am different, now. Jesus did that for me. I pray HE will do it for this person, as well. Jesus takes the 'I was' to 'I am' because HE IS! Amen.