Have of the understanding

"Every high priest from the midst of men is appointed for men in the service of God, to offer offerings and sacrifices for sins. He may have understanding for the ignorant and the misguided, since weakness is also his sharing. And it is because of this weakness that he must offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for those of the people." Hebrews 5: 1-3

Under the Old Covenant, the priests officiated as intermediaries between the people and God. Even their chief, the high priest, himself also characterized by weakness, was to offer sacrifices for his own sins. He was therefore obliged, if he had a little conscience, "to have understanding for the ignorant and misguided". Do not be fooled: he should not "sponge easily" on everything ! On the other hand, he had to remain moderate and humble, cautious and kind to those who acknowledge their sin.

Today, things have totally changed. We know God as a Father, we are his family, we have his life and his Spirit lives in us. No more intermediaries! We have direct access to God through prayer, confessing our faults, exposing our needs, thanking him and worshiping him. What a privilege we have as compared to the Israelite believers of that time !

However, we have brothers and sisters in Christ. We must pray for one another (James 5: 16) and intercede on their behalf as the high priest used to do. It is an important function of the Christian.

If I am aware of God's grace for me, and the ease with which I can sin or deceive myself, I will show great kindness to the brother or sister whom I believe to be ignorant or ignorant. the mistake. I will consider him as the brother or sister for whom Christ died, as the one whom the Lord loves, and I will therefore act with tact and gentleness, aware of my own frailty.

Each of us is called to intercede for others. Let us do it without a spirit of condemnation, but with gentleness and love for the brother, for his good and for the glory of God among his people. God who reads in our thoughts perfectly discerns in what inner state we are when we pray. Impatience, contempt and indignation have nothing to do in this ministry.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)