Occasionally, we might find ourselves in a position with greater spiritual insights than the next guy. Perhaps God has given us a special gift of discernment, or maybe this is just the fruit of our spiritual maturity. In either case, we must learn how to offer these insights as a humble watchman – having mercy on those who don’t yet see what we see.
To be sure, it’s easy to become so zealous in our desire to help others that we don’t stop to consider if our approach itself is the most helpful. And we might quickly find ourselves fighting against the very ones we’ve been called to fight for.
Of course, pride is always a sneaky sin to keep an eye on, as often our insights might cause us to look down on those who don’t see. We might even condemn them for not knowing better – forgetting our position in the watchtower allows us to see from a higher plane. To be fair, this position gives us the ability to name realities that are accurate and true. But these insights are of little use when we speak them from a heart of accusation and blame.
Mercy reminds us to deal gently with those who don’t yet see. This is not excusing their behaviors or blocking the natural consequences of their sins. And certainly there will be moments in which urgency is called for – saving others by snatching them from the fire. But generally we offer our insights with much patience, kindness, and humility. We don’t water down God’s standards, but we step down from our high tower and walk with them towards God’s best – as Christ did with us.
In the end, use the spiritual insights God has given you to bless the lives of others and not condemn them – having mercy on those who don’t yet see what you do.
