Jesus is always honouring, especially towards those who have fallen from grace. He will not condone their sins or unrighteousness, but He is always patient and kind to sinners. 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝗱’𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲, 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝗺 𝗚𝗼𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀.
Like Jesus, we honour others when we choose not to listen to gossips about them, and when we choose not to engage in gossip. We honour people when we move in the power of forgiveness, and by openly identifying with them in their shame and humiliation. Don’t cut off your ties with people. Don’t become a “stranger” when a relationship feels like a liability. By “stooping down” to be with people in their seasons of humiliation, we ease their embarrassment.
When we need to speak the truth, as much as possible, we should speak it privately, out of the earshot of others, with a lot of love, sensitivity and tact. Help those who have fallen to confront their sins and encourage them to repent. Very often, it may be a long journey to recovery and restoration. However, keep giving them hope, just like God always thinks the best about us and is always hopeful about our future (Jer 29:11).
