GBI PRJ (CK7)

Suatu hari, mungkin ketika hendak diajak untuk membicarakan tentang seseorang ataupun kesalahannya, Dwight L. Moody hanya berkata, "Sekarang ini, saya punya masalah besar dengan Dwight L. Moody, saya tidak punya waktu untuk mencari-cari kesalahan orang lain."

Sering kali, kita mungkin hanya mahir mencari-cari kesalahan orang lain, menilai dan menghakimi. Padahal, secara tidak sadar, barangkali kita sendiri memiliki, melakukan, bahkan menyimpan kesalahan yang lebih besar. Firman-Nya hari ini mengingatkan kita untuk merendahkan hati, sadar diri terlebih dulu sebelum menunjuk-nunjuk kesalahan orang lain.

Lukas 6:41-42 (TSI), "'Jangan menyalahkan orang lain karena kesalahan kecil. Kalau kamu melakukan itu, kamu seolah melihat kuman di seberang lautan, tetapi gajah di pelupuk matamu tidak kamu lihat. Dengan sombong kamu ingin memperbaiki kesalahan kecil orang lain tanpa menyadari kesalahanmu sendiri yang lebih besar. Hai orang munafik! Bereskanlah dahulu kesalahanmu sendiri, sesudah itu barulah kamu bisa melihat dengan jelas dan memperbaiki kesalahan saudaramu.'"

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye but do not notice or consider the beam [of timber] that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, "Brother, allow me to take out the speck that is in your eye," when you yourself do not see the beam that is in your own eye? You actor (pretender, hypocrite)! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye. (AMP)

It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this I-know-better-than-you mentality again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your own part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. (MSG)

Jika Tuhan sendiri telah menerima, mengampuni, tetap mengasihi, serta masih memberikan kesempatan bagi orang yang tidak sempurna seperti kita, kita pun semestinya mau mempraktikannya melalui kehidupan sehari-hari.

Yakobus 4:8-10 (FAYH), "Dan apabila Saudara mendekati Allah, maka Allah akan mendekati Saudara. Basuhlah tangan Saudara, hai orang berdosa, penuhilah hati Saudara hanya dengan Allah saja untuk menjadikannya bersih dan setia kepada-Nya. Biarlah air mata bercucuran karena perbuatan salah yang telah Saudara lakukan. Biarlah ada penyesalan dan dukacita yang sesungguhnya. Biarlah kesedihan menggantikan gelak tawa dan kemurungan menggantikan sukaria. Apabila Saudara insaf bahwa Saudara tidak layak di hadapan Tuhan, Ia akan mengangkat dan membesarkan hati Saudara serta menolong Saudara."

Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery]. [As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins]. Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant]. (AMP)

Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet. (MSG)

~ FG