OFFENSES

Today's reading: Numbers 17-20

"The Lord now said to Aaron: You, your sons, and your relatives from the tribe of Levi will be held responsible for any offenses related to the sanctuary. But you and your sons alone will be held liable for violations connected with the priesthood." Numbers 18:1 NLT

I've chatted with a friend this week who has been hurt by the church and folks in it.

Unkind words were said. Sandpaper was used where there was already raw emotions--on both sides of the conversation.

Offense was taken, and probably will never be forgotten. Or possibly forgiven.

If only Aaron and his relatives were here to take the 'blame' for these wounded hearts.

But he is not and they are not, so Christian brothers and sisters, we must accept full responsibility.

For unkind words.

For misguided accusations.

For unsolicited advice.

For condemnation which has no place.

For evaluating circumstances for which we don't have full details.

For spreading information in the form of prayer requests.

For attempting to play the role of Holy Spirit in the lives of those we see sinning.

For doing anything but loving others--no matter their choices, their actions or their sins.

It's time the church of God evaluates their work in the world to see if we are doing more harm than good, preaching more hate than Gospel, more opinion than Jesus.