Looking at “Loving God and Others” I was reminded of how sweet it is that despite all we did, do or will do Jesus still loves us. But even sweeter than that is realizing He took our sins on the cross, died for us, and despite all that pain and suffering we caused Him, He wants to be an intimate part of our life. Now that is HUGE!
When we really grasp how much He forgave us and the fact that He still longs to have an intimate relationship with us, it should radically affect our relationships. None of the hurts we have suffered at the hands of others even compare to what Jesus suffered because of us. To say we love someone and want their best, refuse to have anything to do with them and even cause others to pull away, is just as wrong.
As believers we are to live surrendered to Him. That means we give up our rights. In regard to this it means we give up the right not to be hurt or to make someone pay for the hurt they caused. We are to love them as Christ loved us and the only way we can do that is to crucify the flesh in our lives and allow Christ to love them through us. To not do so is to fall short of the standard God has set for His children.
How are you doing with that? Is there anyone in your life that you were close to at one point but because of hurt you have pulled away? Perhaps its time to ask God to search your heart as the David did in the Psalms, and then act on anything He might show you.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” – Psalm139:23–24
Are there people in your life who have hurt you and you have either pushed them away or are holding them at arms length? Are you at a loss at how to begin to reconcile that relationship? Do you need help in doing so? Leave a comment if you would like help.
It is difficult when you understand the gracious forgiveness of our Lord,, and you want to forgive and love unconditionally, and yet you feel like you have a stamp on your forehead that says, treat me as mean as you want to. And people do, over and over again.
I recently spent much time in prayer over this very issue. It’s difficult, I feel much like the apostle Paul in Romans 7, the thing I want to do I don’t and the thing I don’t want to do, I do.
I think where it is most challenging is when you a e dealing with believers that know better . I just keep reminding myself that I am not dealing with flesh and blood.
I agree with you Vicki. Believers are supposed to know better. Unfortunately, they are not doing anything different to us than was done to Jesus. He is the best example we have on how to walk when that happens. The other side of that is what great a responsibility to make Jesus known to others by following His example. I personally am thankful for His grace that is sufficient in those situations.
El Roi, the God who sees, doesn’t miss a thing. A day is coming that believers will stand before Him and make an account for the deeds done in the flesh. A humbling thought to say the least.
Thank you BJ for the reminder of the “surrender life” allowing Jesus to define us rather than our circumstances.
Denise, thanks for stopping by and reading. This was a reminder to me first. Misery loves company ;)