Bo may know, but you don't

Bo may know, but you don't

We may think we know things, or hear things, or whatever in our daily lives, but the truth is we don't know what's going on in the lives of others.  Whether at your school, workplace, or church there are people all around you who may put on a face, or smile, or pretend everything is ok in their lives publicly, but privately they are hurting, in pain, struggling, or dealing with some very difficult things.

I am fully aware each week I stand up in the pulpit to preach that those faces I'm looking out on may indeed having something going on in their lives that I or others have no idea.  People are in abusive relationships, having marital troubles, dealing with an addiction, mental illness, health problems, family problems, financial crisis, or 1,000 other issues or problems and we'd never know it.

We are quick to judge, gossip, slander, and look down on people with no shortage of opinion, but the truth is we don't really know what is going on in their lives, what it's like to walk in their shoes, or  live in the situation they are being dealt.  I'll be honest there are things going on in my life and have happened in my life that I don't share public or post on Social Media an some things shouldn't be public anyway.  We don't need to hear or see or know everyone drama, personal problems, or dirty laundry.  However, at the same time, we also need to learn to reserve our opinions or judgments to ourselves, especially if we aren't involved, it's not our business, or we've not been asked by the person to be involved.

I really want to share two things today.  First, If you are struggling or having problems, know you don't have to carry that burden alone.  Turn to God, He is always with you and will always be there for you if you are a faithful follower.  If your issues is serious such as abuse or addiction, then you need to seek professional help, counseling, or the law asap.  If it's other matters, you can turn to trusted family members or friends to help you, support you, and hopefully pray for you.

Secondly, If you suspect someone is dealing with something or going through something, I want to encourage all of us to pray for  these folks.  Be sensitive to their needs, and offer to help, pray, encourage them, or simply let them know you are there if you need anything.  Also, consider everyone you come in contact with may be dealing with some sort of problem, anxiety, situation, struggle, trial, etc...and instead of being quick to judge or condemn, criticize or gossip, or give opinions how about just keeping that to yourself and give it time and maybe you'll see it different or maybe you'll realize its not your business anyway and move on and make better use of your time.

We have to realize we don't everything and we never will.  We have to understand that people we see, know, and meet everyday may be fighting a battle we'll never understand.  It may not be our place to understand or know, but it can always be our place to pray.  I know we wouldn't want people to judge or criticize us unfairly, so we should return the favor.

I Thessalonians 4:11(NIV)
¹¹ and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you,