Recently a Christian friend told me about a new believer saved out of a difficult and complicated lifestyle. Even though saved, things don't change overnight and many of the complications still exist as this new believer marches onward. It's very important for those who are strong believers to come along side these new babes and encourage them. They must be made to know they are loved. (There's IS a verse about that: "know they are Christians by their love".)
Well, a couple of days later, I'm helping my husband clear off some of our property. There were a few Seven Bark (or Oak-leaf Hydrangea as some call it) that I wanted spared from the destruction my husband was doling out to most of the overgrown area. Toward the end, he told me that the Seven Bark needed to be freed from some life-zapping vines and I began working toward that goal.
As I worked, I found it not as easy as I had thought. The vines were many and different sizes. They literally had to be snipped piece by piece in order not to damage the plant I was trying to save. Some of the new growth on the Seven Bark was very tender which added another element of caution to the effort. As I worked, I thought about what my friend had said about the new believer. It was much like my efforts to save this plant from the overgrown weeds that threatened its life. The new believer has been saved from sin just like anyone else. However, sometimes there is much baggage. Like the vines, the baggage comes in different sizes. We do not want to damage these new believers. We cannot rush the process nor are we to be their Holy Spirit. We must pray and exhibit patience. We must accept them just as Christ has and encourage them. They are God's child, His work, and His transformation just like we were. It will be a process just like we have been and continue to be. Let us remember our former days and rejoice in His life-changing work in man.
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