It’s Plank Pullin’ time! The one day a week that we strongly resolve to ignore the multitude of specks and sawdust around us and pull one bona fide plank from our own eye. Matthew 7:3-5, style.
It’s not uncommon for me to talk about forgiveness around here (Um, like … yesterday). I’m a fan of it. Really, I am.
But I’m not always good at it. The truth is, I am really really really good at forgiving non-Christians. Even of the most extreme offenses.
But Christians? Now, just hold on a cotton pickin’ minute.
I’ve given this a lot of thought over the years and have decided that my reaction to offending Christians is two-fold.
1. They should know better. Seriously. Seriously seriously.
2. They always think they’re right. And are therefore rarely repentant.
Christians can be the biggest bunch of unrepentant sinners out there. And I think that’s a huge part of my problem with them. It’s one thing to forgive someone and a whole ‘nother thing to be reconciled with them, and Christians can be so dad blame unrepentant of their arrogance, or unhospitality, or fill-in-the-blank that I occasionally find a very hard time building bridges with them.
And yeah, I’m on the guilty/unrepentant end sometimes, too.
*exhales*
So, um, there you have it. This might be one of the rare cases where I don’t exactly manage to pull the plank but just let you all get a good look at it.
-Jessica
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Yeah, ditto for me…on all of the above. ;)
Glad to know it’s not just me. :)
Wow, I could have written this. (I mean that in the “I’m exactly the same” way, not the “your writing is so mediocre I could have done it myself” way… just clairfying).
Jenna recently posted..Some Graphs About Toddlers
Apparently, all us Christians hate each other. Snicker. I mean…
I totally get this. And I’m one of those people who thinks I’m right. :/
Nicole@WhateverMyLot recently posted..Plank Pullin’ – with gossip…
We’re all that person. :)
Very good post! I’ve yet to find a Christian who doesn’t do this. Their is so often what I like to call an error of transposition; namely, mistaking one’s convictions for The Faith. And Heaven help those who don’t see it one’s way! (Yes, I’ve been on the wrong end of that equation).
You know, in different words, I touched on this very same subject yesterday:
Wednesday Haterade: Serious Blogger Is Serious, Or The Things I Really Hate Edition
randomlychad recently posted..Too Many Jesuses?
Thanks, I really enjoyed your post, too.
Yup, have been pondering this one a lot.
Heather recently posted..Goings ons: GAPS, unschooling, work and more
Let me know if you figure it all out. :)
I sure wish my contact solution could help wash THIS plank away! Hmph.
For reals.
So true! I also judge myself (and other Christians) more harshly than I do non-Christians.
I think we don’t understand the balance of it. Or something. I’m wanting to work up a post about the biblical support for “judging” Christians vs non-Christians.
exactly. i would go a step further and say that i am much more forgiving of aquaintances than family/close friends. what’s up with THAT? cause it hurts me more?
Yes. Totally agree. I don’t know what’s up with it though. Maybe we expect more of them?
*NODDING HEAD IN AGREEMENT!! *
I totally feel this way.
My pastor wrote this awhile ago. Your post reminded me of it! =)
http://www.theblazingcenter.com/2011/06/the-annoying-ones-in-whom-is-all-my-irritation.html
What’s wrong with all those Christians? Gah! :)
Oh I have so been struggling with this one on a personal level. I think I’ve forgiven in my heart, but unity hasn’t been restored and I don’t know how to go about it. It’s a very sticky situation. Thanks for sharing!
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Me too, sister. Me. too. Except I’m not even sure that I’ve forgiven in my heart yet. I’m so planky. :)
So you inspired me. I plank pulled and linked up. But I think I linked up wrong. It says my name. I’m planky AND technically challenged. *sigh*
Kelli recently posted..On forgiveness
Woops, sorry. I usually put a disclaimer reminding people to put the name of their post in the name box. My bad.
And thanks for joining the planky party. :)
Fixed it!
I figured out a few years ago that it is easy to become what we do not like. When I do not forgive people who are unforgiving–I become unforgiving. When I am ungracious to those who are ungracious–I become ungracious. When i talk about people who talk about people—i become someone who talks about people. Not sure why, but this post made me think about this again.
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You might have hit a nail. It might be on the head.
I think my struggle with forgiveness has more to do with the relationship I have versus whether or not they are Christians. If it is someone close then I really struggle, if not so close it is easier. I have found that Christians in general, at least in my life, are gracious, forgiving and loving. We are at a wonderful church! I am thankful. I know others have different experiences but that is mine :)
Yes, consider yourself one blessed lady! :)
One thing that helps me, even when I catch myself judging other Christians is to remember that not everybody is at the same place. We are at different maturity levels. Also, God taught me that when I forgive out of obedience to Him, my feelings will followthrough after that. Then I go back and forgive that person again, and it’s heartfelt.
KellySinging recently posted..How to Pray When You’re Desperate to Hear God’s Voice