January 2

“Let us accustom ourselves to pity the faults of men and to be truly sorry for them and then we shall take no pleasure in publishing them.  This common humanity requires of us, considering the great infirmities of human nature, and that we ourselves also are liable to be tempted.”  William Crouch to his children, Daily Readings from Quaker Writings footnote:  Wm. Crouch: Day by Day: Being a Compilation from the Writings of Ancient and Modern Friends, Wm. H. Chase, Dennis Bros. Auburn, NY, 1869 p. 26)

This one statement may have the greatest effect on me I think because of the acknowledgment I felt upon reading it.  It was both an indictment and a desire.  An indictment because of the guilt I carry and a desire because of the guilt I carry.  It is interesting that I should write that both are motivated by guilt.  I had not planned on doing so, but in desiring to write strictly from my heart, this is what appeared.  I am guilty of “publishing” other’s faults.  I do this, of course, in order to “make my case” against them as I “defend” my own behavior.  My desire not to do this any longer is what is more important to me.  Wanting to stop a bad behavior because it makes me feel guilty is human, but wanting to stop a bad behavior because I desire to is quite another.  This desire can only be born of God in me--the desire to do what is right and to be more pleasing to God.  This is the kind of guilt that lifts me up and moves me forward.  This is why I believe that God does in fact use the desires of our hearts to grow us up into Him.  It is how He directs us and reveals His Will to us.  

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”  Matthew 5:8