Quick to listen but slow to judge

Hello friends.

The past 2 days have been quite interesting if I might say so myself. I had the blessing of meeting someone that just really blew me out of the water. He challenged me to look at my faith in a new way and hunger to know more. I will call him Daniel through my story.

We found ourselves in random conversations that all led to one foundation. Jesus. I was asked and struggled to answer some of his questions. But the thing that really set me back was the lack of judgement I felt when I was not able to fully answer a question. Rather he encouraged me in a way (whether he knew or not) to seek after that answer and to run harder towards the foot of the cross.

Daniel had a personality that is extremely unique and genuine. When you meet him you are just drawn to his warm smile and strong character. When people would see him they would immediately light up. It was pretty humbling to see the effect that he had left on people here on campus.

In the end of the very short time I was able to spend with this new friend I had learned more in those few days from him then I have from friends I have known almost my entire life. He inspired me to become more concrete in my faith. Not to boast in knowledge but to be humbled by wisdom.

So I say to you, Daniel, thank you for pushing me more towards Jesus, and showing me that there are men out there that are hungry to learn and grow. Who will not pass judgement but rather words of encouragment.

One thing that I found to be a total God thing is how He orchestrated all of this. In my lot family we studied in Galatians 6:1-18 on how to build one another up in the spirit of gentleness and to restore and not belittle. Then not even a week later I meet someone who illustrated this for me and gave me a desire pursue this kind of spirit. One of kindness, humility and gentleness...one who does not look to gain anything but rather restore others through being an instrument of Jesus Christ.

With all of this being said, all I have left to say is...Thank you Daniel, I was truly blessed.