Driving home from the grocery store, I witnessed a potential accident. From my perspective, an accident was barely avoided. Each person could not see the other person’s dangerous actions until the last moment. Both drivers made a last-second decision and came within a fraction of a second colliding with each other.
Both Are Responsible
The truck in the far left lane cut across two lanes of traffic to get into the right-hand turning lane. The car was in the right lane, and without any warning, it suddenly moved into the right-turning lane. Both cars made their sudden moves within the same breath and barely avoided colliding with each other. I expect both drivers wondered what the other driver was thinking as they suddenly made a last-second decision that almost caused an accident. I imagined that both drivers thought the other driver was misbehaving and both had their reasons for acting as they did.
The Easier Perspective
As I drove home I wondered if that is what God often sees from His perspective as His children quarrel among themselves. Is this why He gave us the Scripture Matthew 7:3-5 and told us to get the plank out of our eye before trying to get the dust out of our brother’s eye? Why is it easier to see another person’s mistake? Our emotions often drive our human actions and reactions. Unfortunately, our feelings usually blind us to our errors and cloud our perspective. It is harder to try and look at things from the other person’s perspective. Matthew 7 reminds us that God sees both perspectives and wants us to see things from His perspective. The Scriptures give us clarity and direction in how to walk uprightly with the Lord.
Forgiveness
I wonder if we will someday in Heaven know how many times God got involved and prevented us from causing an accident. The Lord tells us in Matthew 6:9-13 to forgive our debtors as we are forgiven. We all have a limited perspective. We do not always see how we have unintentionally caused pain or suffering to someone else. Our pain from another’s careless remark or action could just as easily have been driven by us; if not for the grace of God. God is moving unseen in our lives and others. Let us remember to count our blessings today and thank God for being our God. Let us remember to be open to receive His healing and mercy.
Sanctified in the Messiah of God
Lord God Almighty, sanctify me in Your holiness and truth in the name of Christ Jesus. You alone know all things and You alone can judge correctly. Please forgive us for not always seeing how we have hurt others and instead focus on how we have been offended. Please heal our wounds and help us be accountable in and through You. Help us forgive ourselves and others because You came to forgive anyone willing to repent their sins and follow the Messiah of God. Lord God Almighty be glorified and shine Your face on us. Amen.