Lash Rush?

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"Judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes" (1 Cor 4:5)

This is the age of "Be-fast-or-get-lost!" Living in a fast world has trained us to be fast; often way too fast, rather hasty. But look at the marvelous patience of the Carpenter of Nazareth at odd circumstances. Now, it was a woman caught redhand in adultery. The accusers were Bible teachers and Temple leaders. They demanded a verdict from Jesus. But He bent down and began writing on the ground as though He did not hear. As the leaders kept on questioning Him, He replied, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." They were convicted and left one by one, leaving the woman before the One who alone had the right to stone her. Jesus then told her, "Neither do I condemn you!" (Jn 8:1-11). His patience with love towards each of us is just the same.
Jesus did not act on impulse. He calmly analysed the situation. He thought about the accused and the accusers. He took time, writing on the ground. Don't we keep scribbling on paper when we just don't know what exactly to do, or how to tackle a situation?

We are commanded not to judge anything before the "appointed time" (1 Cor 4:5). Let's be patient with the faults of others; they may have to be patient with ours! Friends are separated and fellowships are broken because of judgmental mentality. If God is as impatient with us as we are towards others, what will be our lot? (Mt 18:21-35). Count seventy times seven!

Jesus could have returned long ago to judge this world which is sold out to sin. But He is delaying because of His unwillingness that anyone should perish without enough time for repentance (2 Pet 3:9). Folks are mistaking His patience for slackness, but He does not bother about people's opinion. He is concerned only about their salvation.
In the same way, people may call our tolerance as compromise. But we must always be restorative in our dealings with others, as Jesus was to that sinful woman (Gal 6:1). We are called to disciple people, not destroy them by our haste and hurry. Many times it is the plank in our own eye that blurs the vision against enlightened discernment (Mt 7:1-5).
`Tis mystery of mysteries indeed: Why O why my glorious Lord be
So patient and gentle with me who am but a fistful of dust;
He sets His eyes and on me His treasures open burst!

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