I have been reading and watching the news and one thing that truly vexes my soul is the glee, the absolute delight I see on the faces of those who think they have discovered some “failing” or “shortcoming” or “fault” in another. They run to and fro trying to scoop everyone else and relate the news of someone’s flaws before anyone else does.
When did we become so smitten with revealing the faults of others? How can anyone in public life stand up under the scrutiny that is so prevalent in our society? When did we become so mean-spirited that we have to respond even to social media posts with angry, dividing, condemning words?
Or have we always been that way and now we simply have more opportunities to display our hardened hearts?
1 Corinthians 13 is a description of what love is. It tells us that love is kind and patient, that it is not rude or boastful. It always protects and hopes and is humble. Verse 6 reminds us that “Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth.” [Christian Standard Bible]
Shortly before the crucifixion, Jesus looked over the City of Jerusalem. He saw all the problems, the sin, the defiance, the unrighteousness in her. He did not rejoice in what He saw. His reaction was the exact opposite of glee and delight. “As [Jesus] approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.” [Luke 19:41]
Maybe it’s time beloved that we react to what is happening in our nation, in our world, in our churches, not according to the current attitudes of our society, but according to the way of our LORD. Maybe it’s time we weep.
