I've heard a lot lately from people who criticize Christians who have gone wrong, even momentarily. The world is full of damaged souls who, unfortunately, run into Believers at their worst.
In my opinion, the world gives Christians, as a whole, a bad rap.
It brings the thought of a man named Malchus to my mind. Know of him?
In John 18:10 we read, "Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus."
The facts...Peter, a follower of Jesus, cut off his ear. Jesus put it back on (I think the only recorded external wound Jesus healed). It might be the end of the story, but it wasn't. Malchus had to make a choice. Remember, he was the servant of the high priest, Caiaphas. He was most likely pretty important. I bet people listened to him. It would be easy for Malchus to criticize, spit on, even laugh at Peter's untimely sword swinging. Or, he could choose to feel the touch of Jesus and know his compassion and power. He had an encounter with grace.
The scripture doesn't tell us anymore about Malchus. We don't know the choice he made for sure, but for all four gospels to mention the story and John to mention his name makes me think that Malchus made the eternal life choice. I think I will meet Malchus in Heaven one day.
Peter made a mistake in this emotional moment and Jesus disciplined him. Jesus did not want anger as his message. He wanted love. I think he made it clear that the servant was important to him, too. Malchus witnessed a faulty Christian but was touched by the Living Christ.
Certainly, the world is quick to point out our errors when we have a 'gone wrong' moment, but we must remember that the wisdom of Christ in what follows the emotion is what we want the Malchus' of the world to see; an encounter with grace.

Proverbs 15:31 "The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise."
Fresh Find: Fun real flower terrarium necklace.
