Are you a “safe place”?

A harbor of hope?

A comforting destination?

Hopefully, yes: For these days (and it is a sign of the times), we’re in a culture where people are quick to judge harshly, to snipe at others via social media or YouTube comments, to say the most negative things they can think to effuse on Reddit or wherever.

It seems folks like to assume the worst.

That’s a danger. For right off the top, a negative assessment pillages the law of God and what Jesus said about judging. Harsh judgment argues against the greatest Commandment: love.

Most remarkable is when we take aim at others in the Name of Christianity.

That’s not being a safe place. When you assume the worst about others and denigrate them, whether overtly or mentally, you will yourself soon be the subject of denigration. A spirit moves. The devil is watching and knows his legal rights. He knows the rules.

Rumor. Gossip. “X.” Zero tolerance. Cancel cancel.

Remember that the mercy you show others is the mercy you will earn. Do you really think God created you to throw rocks? Disparage? It speaks of arrogance.

No one who is humble looks down on others.

Push others up, don’t put them down. There is no way you can judge others. Think of how little you actually know about them. When we judge, we’re playing God. That’s self-idolatry.

Yes, we correct. Yes, we can’t go along with errant ways. No!

But it’s how that is done that makes it right or wrong.

Of late hatred rules the airways: the public square. Who is the “prince of the power of the air”? (Answer: Ephesians 2:2)

Always presume innocence. Close your ears to those who spew vitriol. We all fall short. But when we’re humble and good to others (in thought as well as deed), we are on safe ground and become a safe place for others in person or in your digital space also.

Forgiveness. Mercy. New beginnings.

This is what Jesus had and has and asks you to offer others as well.