Phase 2 of The House Behind The Trees ~ The downstairs #TeelsBuildaHouse

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So we are starting the downstairs ... I HATE to say basement because we had a basement in our old home, where you opened a door and went down stairs separated from anything else. It was a finished basement complete with a bedroom, craft room, family/game room and we spent a lot of time there ~ our oldest son moved down there in jr high and stayed through high school ... until we finished the master suite in the attic then he moved back up to the bedroom floor with his brother and sister.  So here our downstairs is open to the rest of the house, you can see through to the outside from the top of the stairs going down because we have a wall of windows down there as well.  We really didn't plan to have a kiddo down there but since we are having to do a switch-a-roo with rooms (I'll explain later) he is moving home soon and will be downstairs. Anyhoo, our downstairs will house our main family room, our middle sons room, a full bath and kitchenette.  I thought it would be fun ...
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Christians Acting Ugly

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"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Matthew 22:37-39

Recently I was skimming some comments left on a social media outlet, which I rarely do. Most were encouraging and kind and some people had a different opinion but stayed civil in their expressions. Then there was a third group, a much smaller but a very loud group.

Their opinions dripped with judgment, harshness, and condemnation. We've all been in this situation (which is why I don't check social media very often) and the saddest thing of all? Sometimes we see others Christians attacking people and not acting or speaking very Christian.

Some say or justify that they are being Christ-like and are just voicing/protecting their Christian beliefs but God doesn't call us to protect Him, He calls us to love Him AND others. Christians acting ugly and justifying it isn't loving.

There is a place to make sure others aren't misaligning the Truth but we must do this carefully and first make sure we aren't misaligning the Truth in our approach. Our response must contain these things: justice, mercy, love and humility. "The LORD has told you, human, what is good; he has told you what he wants from you: to do what is right to other people, love being kind to others, and live humbly, obeying your God." Micah 6:8

This situation can happen to any of us in any walk of life, not just social media. Whether we are hyper-critical of those around us , or we have experienced this hurtful criticism from a friend, family member, or co-worker, these words and actions hurt everyone involved.

There isn't an easy solution to this problem but if this devotion makes a few people stop and think before blasting someone, then it's good and most of all, it reminds me to do what is right to other people ... to love being kind to others ... and to live a little more humbly .

Dear Lord, thank You for Your grace and patience everyday. Help me recognize when I become critical of those around me. I want to show Your love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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