Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.   Ephesians 4:32

Some members of my church have expressed opposition to a new policy. To me, their complaints show spiritual immaturity and appear to neglect important spiritual principles. Although I refrained from speaking angry words in order to avoid conflict, my thoughts about the issue still contained much anger. I felt justified in my feelings because in my view it was righteous and godly anger.

This issue led me to recall Jesus driving out the moneychangers who were using the temple for inappropriate purposes. (See Mark 11:15-19.) Often I would have identified myself with Jesus and his righteous anger. But this time God led me to consider how often I have been less than worshipful in church or how I have served for selfish reasons rather than godly ones. As I thought about my own motives, I realized that even though I may have reason to be angry at these church members, I am not to judge them; I have been in their position often enough to know that I cannot. Instead of harboring angry thoughts, I decided to pray for strength and wisdom for our church leaders, that they may resolve the dispute peacefully and harmoniously.

Dear Father, give us a forgiving heart, and help us remember that you ask us not to judge others. May we proclaim peace and unity, in our pews as well as in the streets. Amen.