[Open up the Word, either in your Bible or click the reference to read online.]
"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. ..."
John 16:12
God has many things to say to us, but He waits for just the right time. There are some things we are just not ready to hear, we are unable to bear them.
The Greek translated as bear is bastazo. According to the Louw-Nida Greek Lexicon it means: to accept, but with the implication of the truth being difficult to comprehend or to respond to properly --- 'to accept, to receive.'
God knows our hearts. He knows the amount of faith He has blessed us with. He knows when we are ready to accept and receive His truth and when we are not.
There's an amazing amount of grace in His holding back teaching until we are ready. He longs for us to succeed in this walk of faith. He does not want to give us more than we can handle. He is our loving Father who watches our growth and offers us new teaching when we are ready to bear it... walk in it.
No father would teach his infant how to buckle themselves in their carseat.
No father would hand the car keys to a 4 year old and begin teaching them to drive.
Or suggest a 6 year old learn to change a flat tire.
They're just not ready.
Our heavenly Father knows when our hearts are ready to bear the next step in our spiritual growth. He reveals truth as we're ready to actually walk in it.
We too need to offer grace to others, because we are all at different places in our faith journeys. You may look at someone and not understand what they are doing, even if they tried to share what God has called them to. Or you may see someone who looks like they're not doing anything, but maybe they just haven't grown to the same place as you.
God knows our hearts and He loves each of us as a Father.
He gives each of us teaching as we are prepared to walk in it.
Trust Him with what He's teaching you, and don't judge where others are in their teaching.
It is by grace we are saved.
Let's pour out grace on each other, just as we have received.
In just a little while, you may receive the teaching that helps you understand where someone else is in their walk, and be able to be gracious with those who are more spiritually immature.
Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another?
It is before his own master that he stands or falls.
And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
Romans 14:4 ESV
Father God, thank You for Your teaching which comes at the right time.
Thank You for the guidance of the Spirit of truth. Bless me with the grace
to not question or judge where others are in their walk with You.
You alone are able to uphold each one of us as we grow in faith.
Thank You for Your grace.
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