Sinned Against

"Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do.'" - Luke 23:34

For one of my education classes, I had to read about a teacher named Leonard Covello. Covello became a legend in East Harlem, New York during the '30's and '40's because he took troubled, inner-city boys and helped them shape their future. Later on in his life when people asked him why he never focused on the violence, criminal activity and drug-abuse problems his kids faced instead of all the good he saw in them, Covello answered he would never do that since to him, the boys he taught were more sinned against than sinning.

That sentiment made such an impression on me because I know for a fact it is how God sees us, and I also know the world would be a much better place if we saw one another as Leonard Covello saw all the troubled boys who entered his classroom. You and I can look at someone and think, "they're no good. They're always causing problems and I don't want anything to do with them," but what we don't think about is why that person is that way. No one ever wakes up and just decides to be a jerk to everyone they meet. No one ever really wants to be bad. In Covello's case, he made sure he knew the stories behind each of his kids, so he knew that the most dangerous, tough, and reckless of his students, were the ones who were getting beat up at home, who were sick, who had financial troubles, and all other kinds of issues that make it hard for people to deal, much less know how to control their emotions. That's why God has mercy on all of us. That's why while on the cross dying, Jesus could ask the Father forgiveness for all those who were putting Him to death… because He knew they really didn't know what they were doing. Yes, there are people who can hurt us and do harm intentionally, but before you judge them, ask God to open your eyes as to why they are the way they are. As a follower of Jesus, Jesus has given you the ability to do this. It's only a matter of praying and making the effort. Like Covello, you might discover that the person or people who bring you trouble might actually be more sinned against than sinning. Many times, when God allows for people like this to enter our lives, it is because as people mature in faith, He is counting on us to help His lost sheep.

Today's Prayer:
Father, let me see like You see. Help me to see hearts and not actions. Before I judge anyone for their actions, show me how to understand them and pray for them. If Jesus was able to forgive those who crucified Him, I know You expect me to forgive and understand those who hurt me. Give me the strength and understanding to do this. In Jesus' Name, amen.