Where is your focus? After taking the youth to see David at Sight and Sound Theater in Branson, we talked a lot about what we "saw." The discussion highlighted that each one saw different things. In the same moment one individual might have been seeing the live animals, another might have been watching the action on a side stage and another would have been watching how the lights and animation were interacting with the scene.

In real life, the same thing happens. It has been talked about a lot over the years how when a crime occurs witnesses see different things. In fact, even in seeing the same thing, like a car, they might have seen it having different colors.

 As humans I suppose that highlights just how differently we all can be, how perspectives can impact what we view. The same is true as well within our life as Christians. Which I think
supports the idea that in all things, we should seek God first. To assume our own reactions are correct and the norm is to ignore several things. First, as human we simply don't know
everything or can see everything. There is always some part of an event or circumstance we don't know.

It reminds me, years ago, when we lived in Valley Falls, a local couple had given Mom and Dad some gardening space Dad and I went out one afternoon to do some things and encountered the husband. He seems a little tired, a bit lethargic. Dad who liked to joke with people said some little silly thing to tease him. The gentleman thought for a moment then shared with us, he had just come from the hospital. His wife who had off and on struggled with mental health issues, had tried to commit suicide.

In an instant of course the situation changed, attitudes changed and Dad began to offer comfort and talk to him about all that had happened.

So many things can be hidden, unknown. It is so important to remember it isn't ours to judge or assume. We truly don't and can't know everything that might be impacting any given
situation. Galatians 6:1 brings us particular warning about this. Brothers and sisters, if a person is caught doing something wrong, you who are spiritual should restore someone like this with a spirit of gentleness. Watch out for yourselves so you won't be tempted too.

Even when working in a a situation where a sin is acknowledged, Paul warns us. Be gentle, and be aware that you are and can be just as susceptible to the same temptations, the same sin. Never judge, never assume. In Luke Jesus gives us another perspective on this: Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing in return. If you do, you will have a great reward.  You will be acting the way children of the Most High act, for he is kind to ungrateful and wicked people.

Yikes. Even with those we consider for whatever reason, our enemies, people who don't support us or believe as we do, be kind. Act like God acts. Why? God's truth is that God loves
everyone. God sees beneath the actions and words and understands the paths and events that brought them to where they are. And as Jesus reminds us in John 3:17, he came to save, not condemn. God sees worth and value in the very ones we may judge or even despise.

It's a hard path that requires us to give up our ability to judge and condemn. But it is the only path that helps free others and interestingly frees us to act freely in peace and love, standing assured of who we are and whose we are.

Pastor Alice