And Joab sent messengers to David and said, “I have fought against Rabbah; moreover, I have taken the city of waters. Now then gather the rest of the people together and encamp against the city and take it, lest I take the city and it be called by my name.”
2 Samuel 12:27-28
Lord, give me patience and grace today with others. Help me not to see them in their brokenness, believing they are not pulling their weight, and subsequently welling up with a righteous disgust for them. Instead, give me the compassion of Christ in my dealings with them, recognizing that but by Your grace that would be me. I realize that sometimes I can be diligently carrying out what I believe to be Your will, faithfully serving, feeling like I am carry the full weight of the task at hand. And then I look over at my brothers or sisters in the faith, and see them not toiling as I am. In those moments, I confess, there has at times risen up within me these feelings, where I want to say to them, “Quit being lazy and wicked and come help me.” There is almost an indignation that spews forth, especially if I have seen the fruit of their fallen nature, knowing the secrets they believe that are hidden, their sinfulness revealed to me by Your grace. This insight, Lord, You have given me, not for judgement but for mercy. You have shown it to me not because You want to drop them a few levels in my eyes but so that I might raise them up to You. Grant me patience in those moments. Remind me of my own brokenness, where I have acted out of character and been shown mercy when I did not deserve it, even by those who I am in the moment looking down upon. Show me how I can serve them while holding them accountable to You, reminding them of who they are, loving them even as You love us. Lord, I am indeed my brother’s and my sister’s keeper. Use me to hold them up that they might be able to stand before You. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.