I’ve learned that there is a large difference between The GOSPEL of Jesus Christ and the culture of the church. I’ve learned that perfection exists within none of us. I’ve learned that while I may struggle finding my testimony within certain topics of the gospel, others may have a special relationship with those concepts but struggle with what I would consider to be my strengths. It’s been a growing thought in my mind that we lack the ability to truly allow people to “come as they are.” That when someone comes to church in something that you deem immodest our thoughts are immediately taken to “why would she wear that? That’s not appropriate. Why would her parents allow her to wear that?” Rather than “I’m so thankful she’s here.”
I’ve thought so much lately about the level of accountability that there is for the judgement we pass on others and the effects that those judgements have on their desire to continue to build a relationship with the Lord and grow an unwavering testimony. Whether it’s tattoos, how they raise their children, their relationship with their garments, the clothes they choose to wear, habits that you don’t have yourself or using language that you wouldn’t personally use it is still our responsibility to allow people to COME AS THEY ARE, not try to FIX them. We should carry so much love and respect for their efforts that it leaves no room for judgement.
Each individual is here working on a relationship with a God or higher being that is THEIRS. I can imagine that as people hear either directly or from others around them that the struggles they are experiencing are not only being noticed but being deemed unacceptable that their desire to grow in the gospel becomes harder to maintain.
Please, allow people to come as they are. Incomplete, struggling with things they have yet to find a testimony of, and yet every bit as deserving of love as another. Acknowledge your role in your judgements, even if said indirectly to another. What are you perpetuating in others minds as you speak unkindly of those around you?
Come as you are. Your relationship with God is yours. Being seen as ourselves is all most people want. We can give that.💛