CANDID CAMERA

‘You are the most intolerant person I know, and I wish you wouldn’t push your ideas so hard.  You make me sick.’

Wow!  Straight talk.  I turned away and burst into tears.

It happened after a Sunday morning service, and while I expressed myself emphatically on a particular subject, the reaction surprised me.

I hurried to our car, flopped on the seat and cried.  My wise husband said nothing as we drove home. Mixed feelings of hurt, anger and resentment welled up as I thought of the lady’s candid observation.

In the security of home, and after the tears soaked away into a tissue, I began to think about the comment, and my response.

‘Maybe she is right,’ I thought.  ‘I probably do sound intolerant.’ My views were certainly based on scriptural principles, but my manner of expression obviously hurt and annoyed the ladies. 

God’s loving Spirit softened my heart and feelings that day. I realised that doctrine without love sounded like a shrill bell.  I knew that some of the ladies, who found my manner unbearable had not been  privileged to have the Bible teaching I enjoyed with my husband, nor heard the many Bible teachers from Campaigners for Christ and Keswick conventions, where the Scriptures were taught in love and power.

However, I realised that while I spoke with authority of the scriptures, it was minus the love.  Matthew’s record of Jesus’ words flowed like a cleansing stream into my mind. 

‘Take My yoke uppon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you shall find rest for your soul.’

The impact of Jesus’ example and promise changed me and enabled me to encourage my friends, with love and compassion, to explore the scriptures. It was all of God’s grace that changed my attitude and manner.

That day, many years ago, I learned that as spices enhance the flavour of food, so God’s grace and love draw out the delights of His Word, and enrich the lives of others.

The candid camera certainly produced a positive picture.