How is it that so many people can be so hypocritical?

We all have faults.  There are things about our lives, our situations, our personalities, and our bodies that we have little control over, yet we don't like, are ashamed of, and/or try to hide from other people.  Yet at the same time, we will hold other peoples faults over their heads and use them as excuses to pull down and discourage them or even use their faults as reason why I can't like that person.  Why do we set such high and frivolous standards for others, when we can't even live up to all of those standards either?  We're only hurting ourselves when we do this.

I started to read through James again day.  That book has so many relivent passages for me at this time.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  (James 1:2-4)

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."  (1:12)

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him ... But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."  (1:5, 3:17)

"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." (3:9-10)

"...You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God." (4:2b)

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you." (4:7-8)

I've had this song in my head all day.  Surprisingly, from the same album as the song below:

Great is the Lord,
He is holy and just
By his power we trust
In his love
Great is the Lord
He is faithful, and true
By his mercy he proves
He is Love

Chorus

Great are you Lord
And worthy of glory
Great are you Lord
And worthy of praise
Great are you Lord
I lift up my voice
I lift up my voice
Great are you Lord
Great are you Lord

Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always
It wont even seem you've gone
cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the lord of them
And a friend will not say never
cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetimes not too long to live as friends.

With the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you'll live in
Is the strength that now you show
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

Currently Listening The Michael W. Smith Project By Michael W. Smith Friends see related