Precious Moments That Count For EternitySample

Let ’em Soak It’s common practice to soak dirty dishes in water after a meal. We allow the dishes to soak awhile as we go about clearing the table or cleaning the kitchen counter. Some dishes need to be soaked longer while others can be rinsed almost immediately. The longer you soak the dirtier dishes, the easier it is to clean them well. In fact, if you soak them long enough, you may not even need to use the coarse brush to scrub off the greasy stains. Sin can be like the dirt caking the dishes. We see the world around us becoming prey to sin. Even Christians can stumble and fall. But rather than getting annoyed at the dirt or the sin in people’s lives, we must soak them in love. When we see others in sin, we must clothe ourselves with patience and compassion. Be gentle and soak them in our love. Our judgment and exclusion can only push them deeper in sin. Our vehement rebuke can be like the coarse brush. While the intentions may be good, it may hurt the person more. On the other hand, being loving, gentle and patient with them can help wash off the guilt of sin easier, without causing more pain and hurt. We are called to be compassionate and kind, remaining humble in the knowledge that we have been made clean by His act and not ours. We are God’s vessels, made to be used as His infilling leads us. Being surrounded by love and compassion can help us walk in the holiness that has been granted us by the finished work on the cross. Prayer Lord, help me to walk in compassion and treat those around me with kindness and patience. Amen.