Have you ever had an experience with a person who had a condemnatory, fault-finding, supercilious attitude? The experience is unpleasant to say the least! On the other hand, have you spent time with someone who is charitable, generous hearted, and kind? What a blessing to be in the company of someone with that attitude!
In Matthew chapter seven, Jesus said, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” According to the Bible, we reap what we sow.
Here’s a little story to serve as an illustration. Some time ago, there was a family moving from Newport News to Richmond. They packed all their belongings on a wagon and began their journey to Richmond. After traveling about half of the distance to their destination they saw an old man. They called out to him, “We are moving from Newport News to Richmond. What kind of people live in Richmond?”
The old man replied, “Well, what kind of people did you know in Newport News?” The family began to complain, “They are the worst people in the world! They are no good!” At that the old man said, “That’s the same kind of people you are going to meet in Richmond!”
A week later, a family was moving from Richmond to Newport News. They packed up their belongings, put them on a wagon, and started their journey to Newport News. After traveling about half of the distance to their destination, they saw that same old man. They called out to him, “We are moving from Richmond to Newport News. What kind of people live in Newport News?”
The old man replied, “Well, what kind of people did you know in Richmond?” The family began to say, “They are such fine people. They are some of the best people in the world!” At that, the old man said “Well, that’s the same kind of people you are going to meet in Newport News!”
If we want people to have a proper and right attitude toward us, then we should exhibit a right attitude! Christians should “love as brethren.” We are to be good to all, but especially to the “household of faith.”
Don’t tell your critics the burdens of your soul. Critics, railers and scoffers will make you miserable! Proverbs chapter twenty-two says, “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.”
But, praise God, if you have a “friend that sticketh closer than a brother,” you can tell him your troubles. He will help carry your burden. He will bring joy to your soul!
Humility and charity are hallmarks of Christian living! O that we all would have hearts full of sympathy and love! Each of us should feed the poor and give cold water to those who are thirsty!
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.—Romans 12:18