Friends caught in legalism? This requires MORE compassion.

I have so many friends who just SQUIRT out wisdom. In casual conversations, when teaching God’s Word, shopping at Target, running a meeting … these women are simply FOUNTAINS of wisdom from heaven:

“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:13-17

Today one of these friends made the comment that it takes MORE compassion to deal with people who are caught in legalism; we need MORE compassion, NOT less.

Oh! How right she is.

I am seeing more clearly how WHEN I GET SCARED, I can be tempted to PULL BACK from people. That “pulling back” can come across as a criticism or judgment … and it surely is NOT loving compassion.

Fred also reminded me over dinner that it is VERY (VERY!) easy for people to feel criticized and/or judged simply by another person making a DIFFERENT decision or choice. (Bottle or breast? Family bed or crib? Have children in your early 20’s? Intentionally postpone until your 30’s? Public/classical/homeschool? And on and on.)

I am so grateful that I have such wise, winsome, humble, enjoyable women in my life. They help me to grow in grace and I thank God for them.

Hope you had a good Tuesday! I was still tempted to be incredibly GROUCHY, but God gave me MUCH grace. He always does. Grace sufficient for the day!

G’nite & God bless,
Tara B.