A Load of Disgrace

"nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;" Psalm 15:3c

takes up: This is the same word that is used when referring to forgiveness in the Old Testament. It means to "cause to carry". It can also mean to "lift up" or remove the load.

reproach: slur, disgrace, contempt, scorn, insult

So to cause your neighbor to carry around the weight of your contempt and insults....to make him walk around in disgrace.

How do we do that anyway? Have you ever asked someone's forgiveness and been denied....or perhaps they said they forgave you but continued to hold you at a distance?  How do you feel when you are around them? Perhaps like you are a disgrace?

Ever been on the outside of a circle? The one that gets left out of conversations? events? "girls' night out"? How do you feel? Perhaps like you are carrying around their insults?

We can often easily see how it would feel, so how about we think how it makes others feel?

With the kids: Grab some back packs or any old bag and ask the kids to fill it as full as they can with their toys, etc. See who can get theirs the heaviest - then make them put it on....or if there are siblings, have them trade them around. Talk about how when we say something or do something mean to someone, it is like asking them to carry that heavy backpack. Our unkind words and actions are like a heavy load to carry around.

Memorizing: 

Psalm 15

¹LORD, WHO shall dwell [temporarily] in Your tabernacle? Who shall dwell [permanently] on Your holy hill?

    ²He who walks and lives uprightly and blamelessly, who works rightness and justice and speaks and thinks the truth in his heart,

    ³He who does not slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his friend, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;