Sometimes, it takes a while for God to answer my prayers, but when I ask him to reveal the sin in my life, he always answers immediately. Yesterday, God reminded me of some ugly thoughts, and then, even worse, he replayed hateful words that came out of my mouth. Some days, the logs in my eye could supply enough wood to build a plank fence from here to kingdom come. 
At work, I often deal with the homeless, teenagers suspended from school for fighting, kids who are mouthy, or people I suspect are dealing with addiction. (See how judgmental I can be.) But God reminded me this morning, He loves all his children, just as I love my children, even when they act ugly or look different.
If I love the Lord, (and I do) then I’ll love my neighbor, as Jesus loves me, unconditionally, and stop the judgment game. Does it really matter if someone wears their pajamas to the library? Everyone has secret places of pain in their life, and I pray I don’t contribute to their wounds.
Angel (not her real name) is one of my favorite people in the world and she gifted me with a hand-decorated Christmas card. In the past, I’ve watched others stare at her because her clothes might be rumpled and mismatched. What strangers don’t know is Angel is deaf, but she still managed to learn to speak. It can be challenging to understand her, but it’s worth the effort, because she always says something sweet. Angel might be the kindest person I know. She’s not perfect, because she’s human, but I have the feeling the logs in her eyes look something like this. 
Someday, when I get to heaven, I might discover Angel really is an angel, sent by God to teach those of us who judge, how he wants us to treat our neighbors.
I’m thankful for Angel and the lessons she is teaching me. If you too need an Angel in your life, just ask, for God will supply your every need.
Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
So true Shelia. Love how God gives us our
Angels. What a gracious reminder. Thank you.
Yes. I am surrounded by angels on a daily basis. God is so good.
You happen to be one of mine. Merry Christmas sweet friend!
I am so thankful for your friendship, encouragement and writing expertise. Hugs and love. Merry Christmas!
I know that feeling, Shelia, that feeling when God begins to step on my toes! Recently, I wrote about an experience where I was frustrated with an establishment for being too judgmental, and then God turned the wagging finger back at me! (https://www.thegirlsgettogether.com/blog/2019/11/27/is-there-room-at-my-table)
Thank you for your transparency Tricia. I’m sorry your son was hurt, but in the long run, God has a better plan for him, and just maybe God placed him in the current position so that he will have the opportunity to share his faith. The library world is very liberal, and I feel like I don’t fit in often, but perhaps I’ve been placed in the pool to have the opportunity to tell people about Jesus. At the end of the day, we are all different from Jesus, in that we are sinners. Jesus loves us all.
Beautifully written reminder of a great commandment–“Love your neighbor.” Period. A lofty goal, but one worth striving for 😉
Yes. I fail every day, but I will keep striving to love all.