One of the immature, embarrassed Branches

Well, Something happened to me over the last few days that really has been bothering me. It is actually less of something that happened to me, and more something I did in the past to someone else that has finally come to haunt me.

I had said something online about someone that was poking fun at them. It included no names, but anyone who knows me and them, knows who it was about. At the time, I really struggled with this person, and actually felt like I treated them with the grace and mercy that I should be treating them with. I felt like if Jesus himself was here and saw how I treated this person, he would be smiling and give me a trophy of righteousness (or a crown). I thought to myself, "It was hard, but I have accomplished what most wouldn't do because they are all full of themselves". I felt wonderful about myself.

...However, I made that comment...

I thought never in a million years would that person see the comment, nor would I have to answer to it...well its a small (world wide) web after all. 

The person read the comment two days ago...

They commented back...

I proceeded to send them a huge apology message...

I think you need more background on the situation (even though I am being intentionally vague). This person was at times difficult to get along with, and I chose to try and "be like Jesus" to this person by loving them, and being patience. I was feeling really self righteous about my relationship with the person afterwards... probably because I knew I'd never have dealings with them again...

...However, I made that comment...

Now the person responded to my apology in a very graceful way, and I am ever so grateful and humbled by it. Once again I have learned the importance of being careful of what you put on the internet, and secondly how filthy my self righteousness is. If this person by any chance reads this blog, know that I appreciate you, and think you are a great person. Thanks for putting up with my immaturity, and forgiving my error. I am embarrassed. I since believe that I have matured a little and can look at our time together a little less biased. I have started to realize that although I believe some people are difficult personalities, I need to evaluate whether or not they are difficult personalities because I am one as well. I think my stubbornness and pride can sometimes get in the way and bring out the difficult personalities in others. 

Back to the self righteous talk...

My friend and I were talking the other day about the concept of our righteousness being "filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). I heard it put recently that we tone down what was meant by the term.

It's not talking about an oil stained shamwow...

It's not talking about a bbq covered napkin...

It's talking about a menstrual fluid covered "rag"...

...thats how disgusting my (our) righteousness is...

Thankfully, there is hope and forgiveness. One day I will be righteous in the sight of God. Until then I need to work on cleaning up my life and not thinking so highly of myself.