June 16, 2026
God’s Grace and the love of Jesus offer us forgiveness, redemption and everlasting life. No one will ever gift us with that much again. Ever. So let us remember to see each other through the eyes of love, to forgive all offenses and to live a life blessing others with the grace shown by God.
Outrage takes a physical toll on our bodies. My father was an angry man. Our home was a place where we walked on tiptoe and did whatever it took to fly below his radar. To wake him or speak in a tone he found offensive was dangerous. We siblings spent many an afternoon sitting outside, praying to avoid his anger while we made vow after vow of ways we would one day do better. All that rage created a judgmental and critical spirit in my father.
The moment someone begins to believe God has whispered all the answers of the universe into their ear, they become something of an enemy of the people. We are told to view others as God views them. To know He loves them just as He loves us. That is exactly opposite what a critical spirit does. Anger often leads to self-righteous ego. There’s a Scripture where a Pharisee praises God for making him better than the sinner he is condemning. Luke 18:11, “The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.” That is self-righteous, intolerant and judgmental! Give your negative opinions to God. Lest you find yourself explaining your opinions to Jesus Christ someday.
Life is much more rewarding when we live in kindness, humor, love and forgiveness. God responds with blessings because that is the way He has asked us to live. No one intends to hurt us. They may get emotional and say or do something out of those emotions, something they will likely regret. But when offense arises, I purposely try to view others as I believe God views them. Thus, I love and choose not to be angry or offended.
Lord God, dear Father, Here I am again. Back in guilt and remorse and sorrow for impulsive words I cannot pull back. Lord, my intentions are good, when I am away from the fray of life, I am patience personified. No one pushes my buttons and I climb down from my seat of tolerance and I stay in my own lane. Disagreement, Father, ignites competition inside me. If someone challenges my beliefs, I might be wrong! It is that fear of being wrong that makes me start judging. Forgive me Lord, God. Help me to love victory and correct answers in everyone’s life. Help me to love like Jesus!
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 1 Timothy 1:15