Jesus' Shared Wisdom

16: Build and Don't Let Go

Lately, judgement has been a crippling bane I've had to deal with. In a class, I sit next to an agnostic feminist who makes jokes about  politics, religion, and anything else that they deem humorous and willing to make other people laugh. However, whenever they hear or see a questionable statement about women's rights, they become infuriated and aggressive. I recently started to attend a guy's group on Wednesdays where my group mates would rather make jokes and play around. Focusing on their relationship with Jesus or be taught a new lesson from the leader of our group was not a priority.

My immediate response to these people were to deconstruct them and prove why they were wrong. I told my classmate that their actions were hypocritical and they had no right to be angry. I told my group that their actions were displeasing and disrespectful to Jesus and the group leader. I felt like I had done Jesus a good service by standing up for His cause and obtaining the courage to make a difference.

However, I made no effort to rebuild these people for Jesus. I had only broke them down and reprimanded their actions. I missed the most vital aspect of showing Jesus's great love. I forgot to build them up.

It's easy to point out the flaws of others, but what good does that do for us? Nothing is gained except for pride when you focus on the shortcomings of others without striving to make a change. Focusing on other people also leads to us forgetting about our own issues. Is it worth it to constantly cast judgement on others in exchange for a short-lived rush of pride?

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"
(Matthew 7:3)

What if Jesus constantly judged us and reminded us repeatedly of our flaws, without guiding or reshaping us? We likely wouldn't see Him as supportive or helpful. That's why Jesus points out what we need to work on and guides us towards the right direction. Jesus doesn't judge us on our constant shortcomings, since that wouldn't be fair. Everyone has sinned and has fallen short of His glorious standard. That's how Jesus uses His incredible power; to lead and help those who struggle with sin.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
(Romans 3:23)

Since Jesus builds us up and fortifies us in His Word, we must do the same to other people. It's okay to notice someone's sin and struggles, but we need to go past our instinctive reaction to sin, which is to judge and grow discontent with the person. We need to show them Jesus's great love, since His love can truly save those in need. When we remind ourselves to build, rather then to deconstruct, we become examples of how Jesus teaches others.

To make this clear, we can build people up by being patient with them and looking past our initial reaction to their sins. We can share the same love and patience that Jesus shows us. A crucial part of building people up is to hold onto them and to not let them fall. Once we have spoken for the first time to someone who struggles with sin, we must continue our efforts in Jesus to help and guide them. Our initial conversation won't automatically guide them to Jesus. We must be undying sources of Jesus's love, which will allow us to create lasting change.

No matter how difficult the task is, no matter how much ridicule or hate you face, don't give up on the person or group. Jesus did not give up on you, even during your darkest moments. When you feel overwhelmed by your task, rest and focus on Jesus, since He knows the correct and most beneficial path for you. Don't let go and remember to build, rather then destroy.

Thank you for reading this lesson! I hope you learned a lot and please share what you learned with whoever you can! Please comment if you are confused with a part in this lesson. Also comment if you'd like me to cover a certain topic. Thanks!