Age Old Debate

While idling in heavy traffic amongst many other weary travellers trying to push home, I was recalling a recent conversation I had with an acquaintance. Unfortunately nearly every comment that came from their mouth was a criticism, and negativity seemed to saturate their very presence.

It took me years to learn the truth that quite often people who are critical are souls who have lived a life of being greatly criticized. I knew that the individual whom I was talking to was unable to recognize their critical spirit, so in regards to the situation we were dealing with they were standing upon the Letter of the Law.

Romans 2:29, No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.

The Letter of the Law versus the Spirit of the Law is an age old debate. When we stand upon the Letter of the Law, we stand firm to a specific guideline that every person must adhere to and uphold. There is little grace and mercy to be found when one does not follow the rules. But when we stand upon the Spirit of the Law, we allow the Spirit to set the guideline, not man.

When someone makes a mistake, do we allow them a moment to recognize it or do we point it out? When someone cuts into traffic, do we let them in then complain about their driving? When someone misses a commitment, do take it personally and disregard their reasoning?

There exists many situations and circumstances in life where we are to adhere to the Letter of the Law. There are rules in life that are to protect us, not hurt us. But now is the time for us to recognize that there also exists many situations and circumstances in life where we need to adhere to the Spirit of Law by lavishing grace and mercy upon others. When we become critical of others, we must be wise to understand that we are allowing others the opportunity to be critical of us. It is when we walk in the Spirit of the Law that we draw others to the Spirit itself.

Father, help me to see your Spirit at work within others allowing others to see your Spirit at work within me. When I am faced with a difficult person or situation, help me to stand upon the Spirit of the Law erring on the side of mercy and grace. In Jesus name, amen.

 

Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog to receive news posts right in your email the instant they are posted on the site. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY!