Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted... Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother." ... Galations 6:1, 2 Thessalonians 3:15
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Good grief. This Paula Deen thing is being handled so far and away from how the Bible says to handle it.
But then, our Country is so far and away from the Bible.
What I've seen for years all over the Internet and the news? A supreme lack of mercy toward others, due to a cruel form of judgemental pride. A horrid 'one strike and you are out forever' thing (which I've experienced, myself. Lots.). Is that something new? No, it's something old; it's just more blatant-appearing due to technology.
Even thousands of years ago King David saw what was really going on:
"And David said to Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the Lord; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man." ... 2 Samuel 24:14
Yeah, it's that nasty, unforgiving 'hand of man' that will slice your throat when you're caught in your sin before they are caught in theirs.
Gah.
But God loves to show mercy to those who ask for forgiveness. He's majorly into restoration--not throwing people away. He's rich in mercy and teaches us to be likewise:
"Be merciful as your Father is also merciful." ... Luke 6:36
"For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment." ... James 2:13
May we remember. May we pray. May we realize that this tired old world is winding down to its finish. . . and stay closer than ever to its Author (who, originally, had something so incredibly better in mind).
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"We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check." ... James 3:2
"Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." ... Matthew 5:7-9
"Be merciful as your Father is also merciful." ... Luke 6:36
"For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment." ... James 2:13
May we remember. May we pray. May we realize that this tired old world is winding down to its finish. . . and stay closer than ever to its Author (who, originally, had something so incredibly better in mind).
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"We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check." ... James 3:2
Know a perfect person? Yeah, me neither.
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"Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." ... Matthew 5:7-9
Great post!! So very true - some sins are pounced on viciously while others are lifted. So sad.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed day, Lisa :O)
So true what you say about Paula. You would think she was a murderer from some of it. I read online that her book sales have surged. Some people are also avoiding now the sites, etc. that are kicking her out. She will be ok. She has surely faced a lot worse in her earlier life. Mercy is in short supply isn't it?
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, grandmothering in Wa. State still....
It's been so upsetting to watch her being attacked in the media, hasn't it. Shameful to ostracize someone like this. I sure can't cast the first stone.....
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Debra. People need to look at her character and see that she is not what they are portraying her to be. With all the tv shows and television appearances, would she really be able to hide it if she was racist and used that word on a regular basis? Some people just have no common sense these days. Hopefully she will be surrounded by her family and rest and let the Lord give her some peace.
ReplyDelete