What’s Your Patch?

Romans 14:10  So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.

There’s an old story about a stranger who came into a small town one day and stood in the center of the town square. He had on a very strange coat. It was black, and sewn into it were patches of cloth of all sizes, shapes, and colors. Word quickly spread of this strange visitor, and pretty soon, the townspeople gathered around in curious silence. Finally, a brave soul dared to ask about the significance of the man’s unique coat.

The stranger immediately began to point to different patches and explained that they represented the sins of different people in the town. He proceeded to explain each patch. Embarrassed, some people left the square. Others were indignant, while others shook their heads in denial of the stranger’s accusations. After describing every patch and denouncing every sin, the man turned around and headed out of town. As he went, the townspeople noticed that on his back was a dark patch of cloth that covered almost his entire back. Obviously, the townspeople wondered out loud what, and whose sin that patch represented. As they wondered and murmured, suddenly, a voice rang out loud and clear; “That represents his own sin, for he is willing to point out the shortcomings of others and yet fails to see his own.”

That guy sounds like he would be fun at a party, doesn’t he? Not really. If you have been alive for very long you have met people who love to condemn others for what they do. It happens in the world, and it happens in churches. It shouldn’t happen in churches, though.

You see, as Christians we should all recognize that it is God who judges sin, and the Holy Spirit who convicts. Our job is not to convict or judge, but to love. Their sin patch may be a different from yours, but we all have ‘em. We are all sinners saved by grace.

Today’s Readings: Proverbs 22-24; Romans 14

For more posts, or to receive these daily via email, go to jerrygodsey.substack.com