There’s times where we jump to conclusions about someone after hearing one piece of information.  Especially if they have history.  So that doesn’t automatically mean that those tap dancing shoes that were found are mine.

Our opinion of someone shapes how quickly we jump to a certain conclusion about them. All people have their own tendencies which shapes our perception of them. Your little brother Billy always leaves the milk out.  Sister Susie eats all the pudding.  And dad?  Well, apparently he’s the one who’s at fault for everything else.

Yes, if someone has created a pattern of behavior, we can make an educated guess on who’s at fault. But so what?  It’s really not about finding out the truth.

Just for a second, just assume they are guilty.  Now what?

Does someone’s guilt give us any reason to treat them any differently than if they were innocent?

Let’s assume for a second that your kids didn’t throw their uneaten tacos away even though you told them to.  Do you now treat them with any less love than if they obeyed? What you will say to them will change of course, but should it change how you treat them?

For an example, we just have to look to how Christ talked to sinners in John 4 and John 8.  He spoke to them out of love. We do not just show love to the innocent but to the guilty. Not only that, but shouldn’t our love for the guilty include wanting to make sure they don’t sin further?

So if it’s within our responsibility, we should be showing love by figuring out how we can help them turn from sinning to glorifying God. In the example of our kids being disobedient, we need to figure out how to discipline with love, along with teaching them that it’s not about the tacos, but about glorifying God because it’s obedience to his command of honor your father and mother. The fact they were guilty actually should motivate us to ministry.

So what do we do?

There is no magic bullet for this to make this happen overnight because this is a transformation of our outlook of our relationship with others. We have to view ourselves as ministers first – where our ministry is to help people glorify God.

Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds

It’s not about finding guilt, but reducing it – through ministry. So start this ministry with the people closest to you.  Not only will it help them, but it will also help you because if they are sinning and glorifying God more, you become a recipient of that.  

There will be less conflict, which lowers your chance of sinning as well. And when both parties aren’t busy sinning against each other, there will be more opportunity for glorifying God and for ministry. And when will you know you’re getting to that point where your outlook has changed from finding guilt to ministry?  

It’s when others see it, and you develop a pattern of behavior where people say, “That dude never says anything bad about anyone.  They’re so positive and loving.  I wish I could be their friend and give them $50.” And in case that’s what you where thinking about me, I accept all major credit cards.

Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds

Take Time To Pray: Ask God to help you think ministry first in your relationships. Today’s Fruit of the Spirit: Love.