HSBC Coffeebreak

In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Matthew 25:40

I sat on the bleachers at an out of town soccer game, watching my sons play in a closely contested game. I didn't know many folks in the stands and I was sitting in a section among only a couple of folks who knew me. The game was close, first we'd be ahead, then the opposing team. The outcome could go either way, and the crowd was well aware.

At one point, one of my sons was racing up the field along side of a player from the other team. Both went for the ball and my son slid to try to kick the ball in the direction of one of his team mates. In the process, the player from the opposing team was tripped and fell to the ground. "What a jerk!" I heard from an adult sitting near me. "Toss him out of the game!"

They had no idea that they were seated near his mom... Those comments were hurtful, and uncalled for. Both boys were going for the ball. The boys on the field weren't upset, they got right up and kept on playing. It was just a few fans that had felt it necessary to hurl slicing comments.

Is that how God feels when I decide to open my mouth to criticize one of His children? Do I leave a hurt in the heart of God Himself when I belittle someone for behavior I don't understand or that I deem unfair?

Lord, forgive me for times I've spoken things I shouldn't have. Remind me that these people that I live amongst here on earth are YOUR creation... YOUR children.. and that you love them more than I can understand. Help me, Lord, to not hurt you like that. People are precious to you, Lord Jesus, and you died for every one of them.

Written by
Melody Foster