Starting something new, whether it's a new job or relationship, or a new school year like many students and teachers are diving into, can be intimidating and exciting at the same time. There's so much you don't know that you have to navigate and learn about and try to understand when you start something new. As we try and navigate all this 'new' our emotions are heightened, we sometimes rush or drag our feet, little things can screw us up, we swing from one extreme of action to the other, we feel overwhelmed by all the 'new,' and it can make things really rocky with our other responsibilities and relationships. So what's the biggest thing that we can do whenever we enter one of these seasons or one of our loved ones does? Show extra compassion, mercy and patience to them and yourself.
I know how tempting it can be to want to push someone to shape up and just "get with it" and stop flailing around, but is it easier to be told all of that when it's you or to be given the patience and compassion through your transition that they want in their transition? Yes, there comes a point in time that some tough love can be helpful or is what's needed. But more often than not we push before we should, skipping right over gentle encouragement and patience and patience and right to "what's taking so long?!". Yet every time we get into a mental struggle or some other type of struggle in our life what are the first words out of our mouths? "I just need a little time."
As important as education and relationships are, our faith is even more important than those aspects of our lives. Yet faith is often one of those areas that we seem to be so very black and white about and don't show any compassion, love, forgiveness or patience in. I find this so fascinating because so much of Jesus' ministry on earth was about exactly those things. Yes, He challenged people to do better and He got mad over the mistreatment of the Temple, but He spent most of His time loving on people, being patient with people, talking with people, and forgiving people time and again.
So the next time you or someone you know is struggling with something, including their faith, I encourage you to not run roughshod over them and push them in what you think is the right direction. Instead, take time to have conversations with them and listen to what they're struggling with, ask them how you can help and support them, give them at least a little space to work through things on their own, and don't forget to celebrate together the new and exciting opportunities that are being explored.
"And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering." Jude 1:22
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