Ephesians 4:13 – Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (NIV)

One day, back from my grocery shopping in the nearby mall, I checked the change that I had received from the cash that I had paid for the groceries. My first look was a sure thing: I had received less change than I was owed. This left me to think whether I should make something of it, like calling the store, or whether I should just let it be — which would bother me to no end.

I left the matter for awhile, but later, when the receipt was in my view, I picked it up to look at it again. To my big surprise, I read the figures differently, and looking at the change that I had left on the counter, I realized that I had made a mistake. I would have been wrong to take any steps to correct something that needed no correction. I was quick to blame someone for wrongdoing, as well as to let the matter go gnawing at me. I wondered how far it would have taken me.

It had not taken much time for me to realize my human error. As little as the matter really was, in such a short time, I was easily able to make it into something huge.

Looking at this happening again in the light of God's Word, I see similarities to my first steps toward faith in God, when I was lukewarm, uninterested, and quick to make my own take on what the Bible says. I remember wondering why people would pray for me. As I saw it then, there was no need to pray for me. Boy, was I wrong!

As the years have gone by, I have learned time and again not to be quick to make hasty opinions about anyone or anything. It has been more golden to be silent and say nothing! Of course, there have been many opportunities to speak up, and I have murmured at times about why I have to be quiet, but it has always been best.

That brings my thoughts to what Jesus always says for our best! His words are the golden guides to teach us to mature, in the hope that we children of God will grow up to be the best human beings that we can be.

Luke 6:37 – Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. (NIV)

James 1:19-20 – My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (NIV)

Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your daily lessons for our well-being when things go badly. Help us to fully understand and appreciate the worth of Your love through the Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ, Whose work for us on Calvary's cross won us Your salvation and life eternal. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen!

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About the author:

Kirsti Sipila <kirstiksipila@hotmail.com>
Brantford, Ontario, Canada
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