Obadiah 1 :11-12- New International Version
"On the day you stood aloof
while strangers carried off his wealth
and foreigners entered his gates
and cast lots for Jerusalem,
you were like one of them.
12 You should not look down on your brother
in the day of his misfortune,
nor rejoice over the people of Judah
in the day of their destruction,
nor boast so much
in the day of their trouble."
"On the day you stood aloof
while strangers carried off his wealth
and foreigners entered his gates
and cast lots for Jerusalem,
you were like one of them.
12 You should not look down on your brother
in the day of his misfortune,
nor rejoice over the people of Judah
in the day of their destruction,
nor boast so much
in the day of their trouble."
We live in a world of passivity. We like to mind our own business, too often pulling a "Samaritan-look-away" , because of insecurity or fear. Here is a people reaping the rewards of passivity, turning their heads on their brother's misfortune, rather than running to their aid. We all need a helping hand in this walk, and when we see someone stumbling or sliding back, we should quickly , lovingly, reach out. Yes, get in their business, not for vanity's sake, but for saving's sake.
The other day I was stopped in my tracks when my husband caught me in a lie. I wanted to send a gift to a friend, and we had just been sent a monetary in a Christmas card. I figured perfect I could use this, and it wouldn't hurt us because, it was so unexpected either way. So I say Honey, can I have the money in the card?" In my head I thought hey if it's mine, I can do what I want with it, and it wouldn't be an issue, because it's mine right? Now I want to do a good thing, and it was not an issue to send the gift, but I unknowingly took a good thing and sullied it. I was sideways , indirect, misleading with my approach- a lie. Oh that was a prick in the heart when he gently said brought it to my attention. Like proverbs said, to a hungry man, the bitter will be sweet. Boy, was that a bitter pill to swallow-- Did i really fall into that one?" But I was so grateful to God to have someone who was full of enough care to grab me before I fell. And I will return the favor.
This is why Paul to the Galatians says this : "If a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual , restore such a one , in the spirit of gentleness, considering yourself, [for it could be you] ( Gal. 6:1).
If you see someone falling, hold them accountable, because like a true friend, we all need someone to tell us when our faces are dirty.
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