Hebrews Chapter 5 verses 1-2 (NIV)
Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.
1 Peter chapter 2 verse 9 (NIV)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
We read in Hebrews how the High Priest is meant to conduct himself on behalf of the people. We note that he is meant to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray.
Two things stuck me about this. Firstly, is it any wonder that Jesus was so hard on the religious leaders when their conduct towards those they regarded as sinners was so far removed from this?
Secondly Peter tells us that as Christians we also now are part of a Royal priesthood. Surely then we too, as followers of Christ must conduct ourselves in the manner described in these verses from Hebrews. Do we?
Dear Lord,
Help me to deal gently and with compassion with those who go astray, or who disagree with my faith, so that they may see the light of Christ. I ask in His Name. Amen.