March 24, 2011 - Acts 17:11

“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11.
Some of the Jews in Thessalonica made trouble for Paul and Silas to the point that the local brothers asked Paul and Silas to leave for their own safety. Not far from there was Berea, and, once they arrived, Paul and Silas went to the local synagogue to tell the Jews and God-fearing Greeks about Jesus. These people were more gracious in their acceptance of Paul and his message, listening and interacting with Paul concerning the message of salvation through Jesus. Each day the Bereans studied the scriptures to see the truth in what Paul said. As a result, many of the Jews and Greeks were convinced and became followers of Jesus. Paul found in the Bereans a receptive, gracious audience who were eager to listen and examine for themselves the truth in the scriptures.
When it concerns truth of what the scriptures say about God and His Son, Jesus, some of us are very dogmatic and not particularly interested in listening to those who may have a different understanding. On the other hand, there are those who seem to not have a firm belief, but flow from one new idea to the next. One is close minded and not interested in listening while the other is double minded and easily swayed. There seems to be an area where we can listen to other’s thoughts, while holding onto what we believe. Just as the Bereans showed, the challenge for us is to judge what is said without being judgmental.
Questions to consider: In which direction do you tend to lean – the one not interested in listening to others or the one who is easily swayed? Have you discovered that area where you can judge without being judgmental? Are you able to listen to what someone states without judging them for how they look or act?
Prayer: Father, help me to find that place where I can listen to others without being judgmental about them. Help me to hear what they say without rejecting who they are. Amen.