1 Kings 3:9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?
Most of us would prefer a world where the line between righteousness and sin is clearly demarcated, like the ones and zeros of binary code. While technology has overrun many areas of our lives, our moral lives will never be so simple.
So long as we live, we will not be freed from dilemmas about right and wrong. We will always struggle with moments where God’s will is frustratingly clear, but we just don’t want to do the work. The history of humanity and the history of the Church are one long discussion about sin and righteousness.
What are we to do when faced with moral impasses? An important first step is discernment, taking an honest evaluation of how self-interest might be clouding our judgment. Do I see someone’s actions as wrong because they really are or because they hurt my feelings? What is the real problem: a sinful action or a hurt heart?
MOVING FORWARD: The next time you are angry with someone, take a moment to reflect upon the source of your own feelings. Pray for the wisdom of discernment.
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