People change.

That seems like a no-brainer, right? We all know it, but the reality is that often we don’t act on that knowledge. What I mean is that we continue to “see” each other through the lens of past experiences. That’s not necessarily a totally bad thing, since past behavior is a predictor of future choices. If you stole from me in the past it isn’t unloving or unforgiving of me to be reluctant to trust you in the here and now.

However, it is important to leave room in our discernment for the fruit of the Holy Spirit in people’s lives. If a thief comes to Christ, and the Holy Spirit moves in and begins His transforming work, the “New Creature in Christ” that former thief becomes will be far less likely to steal from me. That doesn’t mean I should automatically turn over the Church’s check book to that new creature in Christ, but it does mean that I should give smaller opportunities for the person to demonstrate his or her new character without over-exposing them to temptation in what has been for them an area of weakness.

Cases in point:
Paul, the Apostle, went from murderer of Christians to one of the Church’s foremost leaders. And Peter went from impetuous, immature blow-hard, to the head of his class, so to speak.

We often make at least two mistakes with young Believers. The first is that we tend to expect too much too soon from them in the area of character & godliness, and the second is that we tend to mentally “label” them while they’re still babies in the Lord. Are you the same person you were the day you came to know Christ? Did Jesus require that you deal with everything in the first week? No, but how have you changed? What things have you surrendered to His Lordship and laid upon His altar? What attitudes or prejudices has He removed since you began walking with Jesus? Think it through carefully, and then look around.

Are there brothers and sisters in Christ whom you have unconsciously labeled because of past behaviors? Is it possible that the label no longer fits? Or, is it possible that by patient friendship you might become an instrument in the hands of God in that person’s life?

Discipleship is the call of every Believer. And all it involves is patient, selfless friendship, and a willingness to acknowledge and encourage the fruit of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those we love. Look for what God is doing in the lives of the people around you, and get involved with His work!

JUST A THOUGHT!