SIEVES YOU CAN USE ON PEOPLE
A sieve is usually a kitchen utensil
used during food preparation. But
see if you can detect the sieves in
the following text that can be used
on people during relationship reparation.
"If someone is caught in a sin (or an
error), you who are spiritual should
restore such a one gently. And be
careful, or you also may be tempted
(fall in the same way)." Galatians 6:1.
Have you been offended even slightly
by someone's action or error?
And did it lead to you saying a word
of criticism about that person who
wronged you? Have you complained to
a friend about another's actions,
attitudes, or words?
Amy Carmichael suggests filtering
our words through three sieves: Is it
true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? "All
of us who have tried to remember
these three sieves, and have used
them, know what a help they are. We
are sorry when we ever forget
them."
According to Pastor David Jeremiah,
Paul's advice in Galatians 6:1 goes
even further. Instead of simply refraining
from criticism, we should
seek to restore the person (restore
our relationship with that person). Paul, too, gives us three sieves: Are
we spiritual? (You who are spiritual…)
Are we gentle? (Restore such a one
gently.) Are we careful? (Be careful,
or you also may be tempted.)
Suppose a friend at church has done
something wrong and offensive. (Who
hasn't?) Rather than spreading the
news, why not prayerfully ask God to
work in that person's heart. If you
feel led, then approach that person
with concern and gentleness. If
you're harsh, you'll drive them away;
but gentleness is like salve on a
wound.
A healthy church is NOT a place
where nobody offends anyone, where
nobody says a wrong word and where
nobody treats others poorly. If I
have expectations of a church that
rule out such incidences, I will soon
end up disillusioned and withdraw to
my own imperfect world where nobody
can offend me, other than me! (Oops! I think I've just used poor
grammar!)
A healthy church is a place where
people learn to use those three
sieves Paul and Amy talk about, and
develops the selfless skill of repairing
strained relationships by talking
through the issue with gentleness.
When was the last time you worked
through an issue with someone?
"My Lord, my Savior, pour Thy love through
me." Amy Carmichael
--Pastor Ivan Blake |
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