The Best of Men

We must never forget that the best of men are still men. Flawed, capable of error, prone to self-defense--if not openly than certainly in their hearts. Don't put them on a pedestal immune to "Bereanism." Don't be harsh, critical, and judgmental when they prove themselves to be as human as you are. If every sin was made a "crime," the whole world would be in jail. When we imagine and expect--demand--perfection in others, we do a great disservice to the body of Christ. And give our whole-hearted consent to encouraging hypocrisy. Should we encourage others to sin? Or even be desensitized to their sin? Of course not. They--nor we--don't need to be encouraged; we sin quite naturally. What we need is a church where confession and forgiveness and acceptance of each other--flaws and all--are just as lovingly spontaneous. Our purpose is to edify, to build up, not to tear down.

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness (stooping down to lift up); each one looking to yourself, lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ."

"Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins."

"Be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you."