Sharks in the Body of Christ?

Greetings,

 On the Saturday, January 28th page of the inspirational booklet Our Daily Bread

the title of the topic was Feeding Frenzy.  It talked of how people who study sharks

tell of how they are most likely to attack when there is blood in the water and on how

it triggers the feeding mechanism in sharks and how the blood also marks the vulnerability

of the prey.

 The author goes on and talks of how the blood in the water is like the failings of certain

folks among the congregation of a church which when other members of the congregation

notice the flaws of the less fortunate, they go on a "feeding frenzy" of scorn, chiding and

generally an unloving attitude.  These "sharks" in the congregation kick the less fortunate

when they are down instead of lifting them up.

While we should never condone sinful behavior, we as Christians need to show mercy

on those who have backslidden or fallen, not bring them further down by mercilessly

condemning them. Matthew 5:7 states "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall

obtain mercy."

 I have seen a good example of how one certain member was restored to fellowship

at our church after certain issues which for the sake of the person in question and the

other parties involved, I will not describe.  But I believed that was a good example of

showing mercy.

 Also, I might add that showing mercy on those who have fallen, whatever the issue may

be, is also showing forgiveness.  In Matthew 6:14-15 it says, "For if you forgive men

their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if you do not forgive

men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive  your trespasses."

 Those who unlovingly condemn others are themselves trespassing. They are themselves

sinning as much as those they are condemning.

 After saying that, I just got to thinking, that these "sharks" are devouring themselves more

than they are their "prey." 

 I leave you with this verse from Matthew 7:3:  "And why do you behold the speck that

is in your brother's eye, but do not consider the log in your own eye?"

Have a blessed day.