Imperfections of Others

Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but....I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.
—Philippians 3:12,14

"If there is one mark of perfection, it is simply that it can tolerate the imperfections of others." This statement was made by François Fénelon in the seventeenth century. When I read that statement in a book recently, it gripped my heart, and I knew it was something I needed to meditate on.

The apostle Paul stated that he pressed on toward the mark of perfection. I believe all those who truly love the Lord are compelled to do that. He is perfect, and our journey into Him compels us to be like Him. We want to do things the right way—the way that would be pleasing to Him.

Perhaps a good measuring stick of our perfection is how patient we are with the imperfections of others. When I am impatient with others because of their imperfections, if I take a moment and consider my own imperfections, I usually get patient again very quickly.

If you have an imperfection, don't be down on yourself. God will help you. If you are impatient with the imperfections of others, remember that only imperfection is intolerant of imperfection.

Say This:

"I determine to be tolerant of the imperfection of others, because I realize that I also have imperfections which God is perfecting in me."

Have a Thankful Thursday