Easy

Luke 6:37-38 (The Message)

"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment.

Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang.

Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier.

Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing.

Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity."

There are a couple of ways of interacting with the people around us. We've probably all encountered someone who builds themselves up by tearing other people down.

We've probably all been guilty of that ourselves, as well.

Really, that self-promoting action is what's at the heart of gossip. Under the guise of care and concern, I have heard church folks just eviscerate their brothers and sisters, to make themselves feel better about their own faults and shortcomings.

Jesus gives us some good advice: "that hardness can boomerang."

In fact, it almost always will. Negativity and destruction is not the path to peace, love and community. Folks can get enough of the bad stuff other places. They're looking for something different from their fellow Jesus-followers.

What would it mean to "be easy on people?"

Immediately, we worry about "accountability," "standards," "honesty," and "excellence."

Are we just supposed to let everything go, regardless of the consequences to ourselves or others?

Here's what I know about accountability and standards: while those conversations do have their place, they only work in the context of real, trusting, relationship. Relationship doesn't come through criticism.

If we really want to change ourselves and the world around us, we could start by lightening up. 99% of our critique of other people has to do with reinforcing some image of ourselves that we want to believe in.

This isn't about us. Generosity, approval, softness...let's pray for those things, and try them on today. Maybe they'll "boomerang" back our direction.

Prayer: God our Father, we pray that today you would help us to be patient with others. Help us to see things from their perspective, to relax, to soften, and to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Forgive us when we jump on others' faults and overlook our own. We need your grace and peace as our way in the world.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.