From December 15, 2008
It's interesting, though, because growing up in religion, there are certain statements constantly thrown at you - so much, in fact, that it is sadly almost as meaningless as the lyrics of a Lil Wayne. I know the words, but do I really delve deep into meaning every time I quote, "Shawty want to hump, you know I like to touch those lovely lady lumps"? Do they resound with me, do they define my life, even though I listened to that song so many times over the summer? No, of course not. The lyrics mean nothing to me, and I cannot relate to them, for I've never touched a lady lump, nor do I want to touch a lady lump, and as I repeat those lyrics, the farthest thing from my mind is a lady lump. It has just become meaningless habit. Lyrics that have sound, but not much else.
It can be that way with the Word of God. There are all these verses that I've memorized, without even knowing just because I've heard them so much when growing up. Not even just verses, but phrases - "Jesus loves you", "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me", and we all accept these as truths, but have we ever really dissected the full extent of what these things mean?
I have. Half-heartedly, without even knowing. I've taken much solace before in the simple fact that Jesus loves me, but what I had been ignoring was what that love truly means. I could think of the person who I love the most and that love would not even compare.
I began the year plagued - teetering in between confusion and guilt. It was either "I'm a fool, because I thought I heard God, but I really didn't" or "I was too much of a pussy to follow God's plan", and I couldn't stand the emotions that accompanied that. I felt so distant from God, and I took the full brunt of the blame. I knew He was trying to reach out to me, I could vaguely hear him calling, but I couldn't accept, because louder to me than His voice was my own, reiterating how much of a failure I was, and how disappointed God must have been in me.
I couldn't tell you when it happened. I slowly was beginning to feel God again, and then at once, I realized. No, I didn't realize - I finally opened my ears, and opened my heart, and heard what God was trying to tell me the entire time. "Forget your shortcomings, forget your mistakes - it doesn't matter, because I love you."
And suddenly, it wasn't like God was staring down condescendingly at me, disappointed in my blunders, but He was smiling down encouragingly at me, with a smile warmer than any of us could possibly ever dream to muster.
Now I always knew that God loves me. But for once, I realized just exactly what it means. It means that when I fall short, He is not exasperatedly sighing, He is not rolling His eyes - He does not want me to feel guilty or inferior, but instead He is patient. He is not angry, He is not keeping a record of my wrongs, though I was consumed by them each day - He is everything that that verse in I Corinthian says, because God is love.
And that's when my burdens disappeared, and I was able to return to that intimacy with God that I so longingly craved.
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Amor.
From March 11, 2008
I Corinthians 13:4-8
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keep no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails..."
Romans 12: 9-17
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil."
Romans 13:9-10
"The commandments, 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not covet,' and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
I Peter 4:8-10
"Above all else, love deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithful administering God's grace in its various form."
I Timothy 1:5
"The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."
Ephesians 5:1-2
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Can we remove all romantic connotations from the word for just a few moments? Love is pure, but the concept is tainted by the secular definitions. In all these verses, the "love" is not complimented by words such as "marriage", but rather the idea of reaching out to others, no matter who they may be.
Love is a word that is often thrown around quite meaninglessly, most likely because most people do not truly understand what love truly is. Now I do not claim to be an expert, but I would consider Paul one. And his description of love, as seen in I Corinthians covers it all.
It's the end of that segment that touches me the most. "Love never fails." I think it's complete crap when people utter the words, "I just don't love him/her anymore." If that's the case, then it obviously wasn't love to begin with. The things of the world are fickle and uncertain, but love is of God, and if there is one certain in life, than it is Him. If anyone's experiences with love goes against what He has said in anyway, then I am confident to say that it was not quite love.
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demon, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is Christ in Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
Now that's love.
Of course, we are repeatedly told to love our neighbors, but I'm sure we all question whether or not it's possible to have such a sincere love for everyone, including people we haven't meant. Obviously, there must be different levels of love, defined by the amount of fervor behind it, but the same principle still remains. Though not as invested in the homeless man I pass on the street daily as I am with my mother, I am still expected to reach out to him just the same.
But I believe to fulfill the criteria of love as stated above from the Bible, certain prerequisites in the relationship aren't needed, especially since we are not talking of "romantic" love at this moment. Thus I am constantly inspired to reach out in the best way I can to everyone who may need it. It's a thought that has been swimming around in my mind a lot for the past weeks, but I feel like I haven't exactly acted on it. No, I do not blatantly shun people, but there is always more than I can be doing to show love.
I Peter 4:8-10 especially speaks to me on this matter. Verse 8 has always been one of my favorite verses, but recently I've noted the following verses. It is not a coincidence that Peter speaks of hospitality right after he mentions love. So I want to be available to anyone who may need me, may it be in the simplest way or in the most complex way. I realize how easy it is to show love and how the slightest gesture can mean a lot to a person.
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithful administering God's grace in its various form."
Another thing that I am now becoming more focused on. I've been quite aware of my talents for some time now, mostly because compliments on them have been shoved down my throat since I was about seven. But it's come to the point that I realize that I shouldn't be using my gifts for my own joy, but for the joy of the Lord and of others. Especially in my case, when I have talents that specifically can be used to impact others (creativity, writing, humor). And without even meaning to, I've seen lately that these abilities have already been used by God to touch the lives of others, but I am not willing to just stop there. I want to take it to another level.
I just think it's very important to be a beacon of the love of the Lord. More important than myself, after all, is others.
Love is a simple concept with a powerful results. It can change moments, lives, the world. It's something we all need to be more conscience. Instead of automatically equivocating this concept to romance, we need to broaden our definitions to encompass what God truly means it as.
And this is regard to not just our friend and family, but enemies and strangers as well.
Let it be known that I am working on a blank state here. Despite lack of compatibilities or events that may have occurred in the past, I am willing to love and I'm going to love. And I think I've lost the central point of this note long ago.
But then again, isn't the central point love? 'Cause unlike most things, love never fails.
I love you all.
I Corinthians 13:4-8
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keep no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails..."
Romans 12: 9-17
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil."
Romans 13:9-10
"The commandments, 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not covet,' and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
I Peter 4:8-10
"Above all else, love deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithful administering God's grace in its various form."
I Timothy 1:5
"The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."
Ephesians 5:1-2
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Can we remove all romantic connotations from the word for just a few moments? Love is pure, but the concept is tainted by the secular definitions. In all these verses, the "love" is not complimented by words such as "marriage", but rather the idea of reaching out to others, no matter who they may be.
Love is a word that is often thrown around quite meaninglessly, most likely because most people do not truly understand what love truly is. Now I do not claim to be an expert, but I would consider Paul one. And his description of love, as seen in I Corinthians covers it all.
It's the end of that segment that touches me the most. "Love never fails." I think it's complete crap when people utter the words, "I just don't love him/her anymore." If that's the case, then it obviously wasn't love to begin with. The things of the world are fickle and uncertain, but love is of God, and if there is one certain in life, than it is Him. If anyone's experiences with love goes against what He has said in anyway, then I am confident to say that it was not quite love.
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demon, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is Christ in Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
Now that's love.
Of course, we are repeatedly told to love our neighbors, but I'm sure we all question whether or not it's possible to have such a sincere love for everyone, including people we haven't meant. Obviously, there must be different levels of love, defined by the amount of fervor behind it, but the same principle still remains. Though not as invested in the homeless man I pass on the street daily as I am with my mother, I am still expected to reach out to him just the same.
But I believe to fulfill the criteria of love as stated above from the Bible, certain prerequisites in the relationship aren't needed, especially since we are not talking of "romantic" love at this moment. Thus I am constantly inspired to reach out in the best way I can to everyone who may need it. It's a thought that has been swimming around in my mind a lot for the past weeks, but I feel like I haven't exactly acted on it. No, I do not blatantly shun people, but there is always more than I can be doing to show love.
I Peter 4:8-10 especially speaks to me on this matter. Verse 8 has always been one of my favorite verses, but recently I've noted the following verses. It is not a coincidence that Peter speaks of hospitality right after he mentions love. So I want to be available to anyone who may need me, may it be in the simplest way or in the most complex way. I realize how easy it is to show love and how the slightest gesture can mean a lot to a person.
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithful administering God's grace in its various form."
Another thing that I am now becoming more focused on. I've been quite aware of my talents for some time now, mostly because compliments on them have been shoved down my throat since I was about seven. But it's come to the point that I realize that I shouldn't be using my gifts for my own joy, but for the joy of the Lord and of others. Especially in my case, when I have talents that specifically can be used to impact others (creativity, writing, humor). And without even meaning to, I've seen lately that these abilities have already been used by God to touch the lives of others, but I am not willing to just stop there. I want to take it to another level.
I just think it's very important to be a beacon of the love of the Lord. More important than myself, after all, is others.
Love is a simple concept with a powerful results. It can change moments, lives, the world. It's something we all need to be more conscience. Instead of automatically equivocating this concept to romance, we need to broaden our definitions to encompass what God truly means it as.
And this is regard to not just our friend and family, but enemies and strangers as well.
Let it be known that I am working on a blank state here. Despite lack of compatibilities or events that may have occurred in the past, I am willing to love and I'm going to love. And I think I've lost the central point of this note long ago.
But then again, isn't the central point love? 'Cause unlike most things, love never fails.
I love you all.
Y'all Ought to be Ashamed.
From August 10, 2008
Yeah, I'm about to chew you out.
I don't know where anyone gets off thinking that the word "nigger" is okay to say depending on the context. And I think it's very ridiculous to say "white people can be 'n words', too" yet every time I've heard that word used these past few months, it was not in regards to anyone white.
I know that I spent nine months at NYU, in which black people are the extreme minority, yet I never heard the 'n word' ever uttered. To go even further, I didn't even encounter the more subtle racism - the slight discrimination, the "casual" verbal judgments. The only references to me even being black were made by myself in a joking manner or by other minorities, also in a joking manner. But outside of that, there were at the most two references made in the WHOLE year by the majority group to me being black.
It's a Southern thing.
Everybody's racist, though. Don't even attempt to deny it. I hate it when people try to preface statements with "I'm not racist, but...", because yes, you are, and yes that statement you're about to say is sooo racist. Unfortunately in this current society, it's a bit of an inherent thing. But what you say, how you act, and the unfair judgments you make can be controlled.
So if a black person pisses you off, there's no reason to be calling him the n-word. Surely you have to know the history behind that word. How demeaning it has always been and how it was created to be geared solely towards black people. Thus, it is highly disrespectful to use that word. Period - I don't care if you only use that in regards to "ghetto" people or you even all white people that sometimes, it's still a highly offensive and completely disrespectful term.
Now my feelings don't get hurt every time that's said. I just get upset because it showcases ignorance and disrespect. You throw around such a weighted and negative term like it's nothing, like a group of people haven't been fighting against it and other discriminations for generations. Call someone an "asshole". I can't say I condone of that, either, but at least it has none of the attached sentiments that the n-word, though.
I was talking to Carmen about this, and she understood my views of how I don't take it personally, but just find it incredibly disrespectul and thus, infuriating, because that's the way that she gets with the word "faggot." It is, in fact, that same deal. Leading into this.
I am not a gay rights activist. I'll be honest - I'm a Christian, the Bible does say that a man should not lay with a man the way he does a woman, and do find it to be unnatural. However, the treatment of homosexuals is appalling. The "f-word" is meant to demean and belittle a specific group of people. In the same way as the "n-word", it's a term that dehumanizes, thus implying that that individual is not good enough to be given an actual identity, so thus he will be called the "f-word" instead.
See, that is some people have such severe problems with Christians. We're supposedly apart of a faith built about love, yet some of us throw around those terms like nothing, though obviously they are quite hurtful. Do you seriously think that if Jesus was on Earth right now, he'd go around to gay people, calling them "faggots" and "queers." No, this is Jesus, who hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors - the bottom of society at that time.
The foundation of Christianity is love. God loved us so much that He gave His only Son to die for our sins. Thus we are to show love in return - both to God and to those around us. Love, not condemn. Not treat a group of people so differently because we don't agree with their lifestyles.
It's quite hypocritical, too, in many ways, but especially because a lot Christians are willing to look past the sins of others and their own sins, yet come down so hard on homosexuality, as if it's the sin to end all sins. In my personal opinion, it's the most harmless. Promiscuous sex is way more damaging, if we're on the subject of sexuality. But God doesn't have a rating system of sin.
But it's pathetically funny, because surely if you ask some Christian what is worse - some guy who sleeps around a lot or a gay guy who is a virgin by choice, they'd say the former. That is not right.
Then there's the whole thing about how homosexuality is "different" because it's a lifestyle as opposed to an one-time act. Well, if you want to get technical, the "act" of someone being emotionally and physically attracted to someone of the same sex and pursuing a relationship with them is not a sin unless sex is involved, but rather the individual act of sex with someone of the same sex. I've read my Bible - and yes, it's all technical, so I won't dwell on that issue.
But is not anyone who is not a born again Christian living a sinful lifestyle, then? Yet there is a significantly less discrimination against those who aren't Christian than there is against homosexuals specifically.
Then the other "argument" is that supposedly one cannot be a Christian and a homosexual. But that's like saying that anyone who sins cannot be a Christian. Which of course is not true, because then no one would be a Christian. And then they'd bring up the whole "lifestyle" thing again, but is a Christian who has a problem with lying not a Christian? Or one who has a drinking problem?
But what it comes down to it all is that we really cannot define what a Christian is for others, now can we? We're just imperfect humans ourselves. So we have no right whatsoever to say that anyone isn't really a Christian, nor to condemn someone for anything, because that is for God and God alone.
We have no right to look down on anyone, homosexuals included, because we are not perfect ourselves.
Look up John 8:1-12. I'll paraphrase it. The Pharisees bring an adulterous woman to Jesus, saying that she needs to be stoned. Jesus says that whoever is that who is without sin can throw the first stone. No one, of course, does. Jesus then asks the woman where her accusers are, in which she answers that there aren't any. So Jesus says that He does not condemn her, either, and let's her go free,then tells us that we are to be like Him.
So maybe the next time you come across a homosexual and are getting ready to spit out a biting comment, think of these verses. It is not our place at all. It is between that person and God. And if some person is truly a Christian, but also a homosexual, then it will be taken care of if they do have that relationship with God. What "taken care of" means, none of us know, but it's not for us to know. Worry about yourself, and if you want to worry about others, do it respectfully and focus more on salvation.
We also should not look down on anyone, because we are supposed to approach everyone with love.
Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus replied, “‘Love the Lord your God will all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
I don't see anything about "don't be homosexual" or "condemn all homosexuals" or "call all gay people 'faggots'" or anything remotely like this. But love the Lord, then love your neighbor. Being condescending has nothing to do with love at all.
There are so many issues with the way people treat others in general. We're all guilty of it, myself included, of course. But if we work to improve on this by tackling the major cases first, or maybe even the minor cases, then we can improve. A lot of issues in this world would be solved if we just consistently treated people right.
I think if I write another note like this, it will be about forgiveness vs revenge. That's another thing I see a lot.
Yeah, I'm about to chew you out.
I don't know where anyone gets off thinking that the word "nigger" is okay to say depending on the context. And I think it's very ridiculous to say "white people can be 'n words', too" yet every time I've heard that word used these past few months, it was not in regards to anyone white.
I know that I spent nine months at NYU, in which black people are the extreme minority, yet I never heard the 'n word' ever uttered. To go even further, I didn't even encounter the more subtle racism - the slight discrimination, the "casual" verbal judgments. The only references to me even being black were made by myself in a joking manner or by other minorities, also in a joking manner. But outside of that, there were at the most two references made in the WHOLE year by the majority group to me being black.
It's a Southern thing.
Everybody's racist, though. Don't even attempt to deny it. I hate it when people try to preface statements with "I'm not racist, but...", because yes, you are, and yes that statement you're about to say is sooo racist. Unfortunately in this current society, it's a bit of an inherent thing. But what you say, how you act, and the unfair judgments you make can be controlled.
So if a black person pisses you off, there's no reason to be calling him the n-word. Surely you have to know the history behind that word. How demeaning it has always been and how it was created to be geared solely towards black people. Thus, it is highly disrespectful to use that word. Period - I don't care if you only use that in regards to "ghetto" people or you even all white people that sometimes, it's still a highly offensive and completely disrespectful term.
Now my feelings don't get hurt every time that's said. I just get upset because it showcases ignorance and disrespect. You throw around such a weighted and negative term like it's nothing, like a group of people haven't been fighting against it and other discriminations for generations. Call someone an "asshole". I can't say I condone of that, either, but at least it has none of the attached sentiments that the n-word, though.
I was talking to Carmen about this, and she understood my views of how I don't take it personally, but just find it incredibly disrespectul and thus, infuriating, because that's the way that she gets with the word "faggot." It is, in fact, that same deal. Leading into this.
I am not a gay rights activist. I'll be honest - I'm a Christian, the Bible does say that a man should not lay with a man the way he does a woman, and do find it to be unnatural. However, the treatment of homosexuals is appalling. The "f-word" is meant to demean and belittle a specific group of people. In the same way as the "n-word", it's a term that dehumanizes, thus implying that that individual is not good enough to be given an actual identity, so thus he will be called the "f-word" instead.
See, that is some people have such severe problems with Christians. We're supposedly apart of a faith built about love, yet some of us throw around those terms like nothing, though obviously they are quite hurtful. Do you seriously think that if Jesus was on Earth right now, he'd go around to gay people, calling them "faggots" and "queers." No, this is Jesus, who hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors - the bottom of society at that time.
The foundation of Christianity is love. God loved us so much that He gave His only Son to die for our sins. Thus we are to show love in return - both to God and to those around us. Love, not condemn. Not treat a group of people so differently because we don't agree with their lifestyles.
It's quite hypocritical, too, in many ways, but especially because a lot Christians are willing to look past the sins of others and their own sins, yet come down so hard on homosexuality, as if it's the sin to end all sins. In my personal opinion, it's the most harmless. Promiscuous sex is way more damaging, if we're on the subject of sexuality. But God doesn't have a rating system of sin.
But it's pathetically funny, because surely if you ask some Christian what is worse - some guy who sleeps around a lot or a gay guy who is a virgin by choice, they'd say the former. That is not right.
Then there's the whole thing about how homosexuality is "different" because it's a lifestyle as opposed to an one-time act. Well, if you want to get technical, the "act" of someone being emotionally and physically attracted to someone of the same sex and pursuing a relationship with them is not a sin unless sex is involved, but rather the individual act of sex with someone of the same sex. I've read my Bible - and yes, it's all technical, so I won't dwell on that issue.
But is not anyone who is not a born again Christian living a sinful lifestyle, then? Yet there is a significantly less discrimination against those who aren't Christian than there is against homosexuals specifically.
Then the other "argument" is that supposedly one cannot be a Christian and a homosexual. But that's like saying that anyone who sins cannot be a Christian. Which of course is not true, because then no one would be a Christian. And then they'd bring up the whole "lifestyle" thing again, but is a Christian who has a problem with lying not a Christian? Or one who has a drinking problem?
But what it comes down to it all is that we really cannot define what a Christian is for others, now can we? We're just imperfect humans ourselves. So we have no right whatsoever to say that anyone isn't really a Christian, nor to condemn someone for anything, because that is for God and God alone.
We have no right to look down on anyone, homosexuals included, because we are not perfect ourselves.
Look up John 8:1-12. I'll paraphrase it. The Pharisees bring an adulterous woman to Jesus, saying that she needs to be stoned. Jesus says that whoever is that who is without sin can throw the first stone. No one, of course, does. Jesus then asks the woman where her accusers are, in which she answers that there aren't any. So Jesus says that He does not condemn her, either, and let's her go free,then tells us that we are to be like Him.
So maybe the next time you come across a homosexual and are getting ready to spit out a biting comment, think of these verses. It is not our place at all. It is between that person and God. And if some person is truly a Christian, but also a homosexual, then it will be taken care of if they do have that relationship with God. What "taken care of" means, none of us know, but it's not for us to know. Worry about yourself, and if you want to worry about others, do it respectfully and focus more on salvation.
We also should not look down on anyone, because we are supposed to approach everyone with love.
Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus replied, “‘Love the Lord your God will all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
I don't see anything about "don't be homosexual" or "condemn all homosexuals" or "call all gay people 'faggots'" or anything remotely like this. But love the Lord, then love your neighbor. Being condescending has nothing to do with love at all.
There are so many issues with the way people treat others in general. We're all guilty of it, myself included, of course. But if we work to improve on this by tackling the major cases first, or maybe even the minor cases, then we can improve. A lot of issues in this world would be solved if we just consistently treated people right.
I think if I write another note like this, it will be about forgiveness vs revenge. That's another thing I see a lot.
I don't care too much for mansions. Mansions can't buy me love.
From October 24, 2008
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
I always looked at that verse as to how we should love. And it definitely is a great template for that. But it has just occurred to me that that is how God loves us. Of course, I've always believed in the love of God, always known of it, but never exactly delved into what that exactly meant. It's just always been a general thing. But reading every single descriptor of love up above and knowing that that entails the love we receive from Jesus, just makes verses like Romans 8:38-39 even more comforting.
Something I feel like I've dealt with the past few months is specifically stated above - "it keeps no records of wrongs." And I know God forgives - we only have to ask, but it never stopped me from feeling ashamed, dirty - sometimes not even worthy of being apart of God. But that's a fallacy, and all on my part. Because though I can never forgive and forget, God most certainly does. And I may dwell in shame because of my sin, very well past the time I committed it, but there's no need to. God isn't holding it against me. I've sincerely asked for my forgiveness - it's time to move on.
I felt so guilty. I felt as God was telling me something, leading me to a certain direction, and I completely chickened out. I wasn't strong enough because I could act on what the Lord was telling me. But I had a realization today. God understands. He knows how hard it was, that I am only human - He knows exactly why I could've step up to the call. And instead of picturing Him looking down on me and shaking His head in disappointment, I picture Him smiling comfortingly at me, still loving me, telling me "It's okay, Chanelle. It's okay."
Of course, He would've been absolutely thrilled if I'd had the courage to go forth, despite it all. But he's not ashamed of me because I didn't, and I truly feel that in my heart. He knows my shortcomings, but is patient with them, because He loves me, and as the verse entails - "love is patient." And though undoubtedly it would've been better if I just would've pushed through in His intended direction, things will still come together perfectly. Albeit in a different way, but it still will - I know that.
I finally feel like I'm getting it right again, and it feels amazing
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
I always looked at that verse as to how we should love. And it definitely is a great template for that. But it has just occurred to me that that is how God loves us. Of course, I've always believed in the love of God, always known of it, but never exactly delved into what that exactly meant. It's just always been a general thing. But reading every single descriptor of love up above and knowing that that entails the love we receive from Jesus, just makes verses like Romans 8:38-39 even more comforting.
Something I feel like I've dealt with the past few months is specifically stated above - "it keeps no records of wrongs." And I know God forgives - we only have to ask, but it never stopped me from feeling ashamed, dirty - sometimes not even worthy of being apart of God. But that's a fallacy, and all on my part. Because though I can never forgive and forget, God most certainly does. And I may dwell in shame because of my sin, very well past the time I committed it, but there's no need to. God isn't holding it against me. I've sincerely asked for my forgiveness - it's time to move on.
I felt so guilty. I felt as God was telling me something, leading me to a certain direction, and I completely chickened out. I wasn't strong enough because I could act on what the Lord was telling me. But I had a realization today. God understands. He knows how hard it was, that I am only human - He knows exactly why I could've step up to the call. And instead of picturing Him looking down on me and shaking His head in disappointment, I picture Him smiling comfortingly at me, still loving me, telling me "It's okay, Chanelle. It's okay."
Of course, He would've been absolutely thrilled if I'd had the courage to go forth, despite it all. But he's not ashamed of me because I didn't, and I truly feel that in my heart. He knows my shortcomings, but is patient with them, because He loves me, and as the verse entails - "love is patient." And though undoubtedly it would've been better if I just would've pushed through in His intended direction, things will still come together perfectly. Albeit in a different way, but it still will - I know that.
I finally feel like I'm getting it right again, and it feels amazing
Therefore let us pursue things which make for peace...
From November 7, 2008
"Receive one who is weak in faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.
For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables.
Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.
Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.
He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord, and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.
For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.
For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
By why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
For it is written:
'As I live, says the Lord
Every knee shall bow to Me,
And every tongue shall confess to God.'
So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.
Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way."
Romans 14:13
Given the recent dissension amongst Christians in lieu of the result of the most recent elections, I had a note prepared, delving deeper into a case I had already made, hoping to make a point. It was calmly written - it was a passionate note, but it was not an angry or accusatory one, but definitely one meant to prove a point.
I posted this note, let it settle for awhile, but in the midst of my procrastinations and distractions, I somehow returned to the note. The in that moment, a strong feeling arose in my gut. Immediately, I knew what the feeling meant - take down that note.
Immediately, I was reluctant and determined to ignore it. Yet as I moved to X-out of the page, the feeling remained, and I knew it would be a blatant disregard to God's will if I left it up. Against better judgment, my reaction still was along the lines of "Well, He'll get over it. Tomorrow, it won't matter."
But then God brought this verse to my heart, a verse I had came across earlier that day. Romans 14:19 - "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."
And then He spoke to me (and I loosely quote):
"Chanelle, take down the note. You're not wrong, but it won't bring the Christian people together. Take it down."
So I did.
And it's true. It doesn't matter what I intended on fighting or how eloquently and nicely I put it. It doesn't matter how right I believe I am, or how good my intentions were in posting it, because it would've naturally caused disagreement. And though arguing has its fruits, when it gets to the point where it's pitting Christian against Christian - not just over any subject, but over God's Word, Will, and Intent - then we're teetering into something dangerous.
There's nothing wrong with a calm discussion, exploring different sides of an issues, and trying to mutually discover and derive a true meaning, whilst respecting and giving merit to each other's viewpoints. But there's a pretense set to these sort of discussions usually, and the intent is to discover as opposed to convincing.
But I had seen how other arguments on this particular subject developed - it was border-lining malicious with no sort of conceding and barely any respect. Given the subject of my note, there was a high chance that this comment section would've turned into a battlefield. As Christians, that is not what God wants from us - to be pitted against one another over a discord in beliefs, when at the heart of it, we believe in the exact same thing - the love of Jesus Christ.
Both sides were advocating for the same Lord, deriving their reasoning from the same Word, and ultimately came to a conclusion that they felt succeeded in glorifying the Kingdom. Perhaps we need to be focusing on that, because in this world, the last thing we need is a thick, black line separating the Christian community. We can argue over other things as much as we want, but I am quite certain that at least that is not God's Will for us as a body.
I am still highly bothered by some of the things expressed in recent days, but I just have to let it go. That is why I will argue no more, for the stability of our body is more important than defending my viewpoint and what it says about my relationship with God when I am quite confident in it already.
So we shouldn't judge or fight against each other - don't worry about what the other person says about a particular issue in regards to their faith in Christ and if it makes them more or less of a Christian, because the definition of a Christian is not up to us, and if a person's heart really belongs to Christ, despite his opinion on a matter - may it be wrong or right -"God is able to make him stand."
I guess it's less about making sure our specific beliefs align, but realizing that a person can, for example, believe that it is God's will that everyone has a choice (even if it is a choice that we vehemently disagree with), and still most definitely be a serious Christian, just as much as someone who dons the complete opposite standpoint, for "God has received" both. It is not that which defines our faith, but our love for the Lord and our love for others, and what we strive to do to promote both.
And if what we're doing is not out of love, then we have an issue. And I realize that the kind of arguing that I was participating in and potentially promoting was not creating an environment of love, but encouraging a divide. And that does not lead to either peace or mutual edification of the Christian body.
So I apologize for arguing. I stand by what I believe, but fact of the matter is, we've all given up our lives for the same Savior and are all trying to live according to the same purpose - His purpose, and derive our convictions, beliefs, and actions for the same Word. And that's all that matters. So instead of bickering amongst ourselves, instead "let us each be fully convinced in our own mind[s]", let's turn our focus and energy outwards in order to have a truly positive effect on this world by living our lives the right way.
"Receive one who is weak in faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.
For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables.
Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.
Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.
He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord, and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.
For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.
For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
By why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
For it is written:
'As I live, says the Lord
Every knee shall bow to Me,
And every tongue shall confess to God.'
So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.
Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way."
Romans 14:13
Given the recent dissension amongst Christians in lieu of the result of the most recent elections, I had a note prepared, delving deeper into a case I had already made, hoping to make a point. It was calmly written - it was a passionate note, but it was not an angry or accusatory one, but definitely one meant to prove a point.
I posted this note, let it settle for awhile, but in the midst of my procrastinations and distractions, I somehow returned to the note. The in that moment, a strong feeling arose in my gut. Immediately, I knew what the feeling meant - take down that note.
Immediately, I was reluctant and determined to ignore it. Yet as I moved to X-out of the page, the feeling remained, and I knew it would be a blatant disregard to God's will if I left it up. Against better judgment, my reaction still was along the lines of "Well, He'll get over it. Tomorrow, it won't matter."
But then God brought this verse to my heart, a verse I had came across earlier that day. Romans 14:19 - "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."
And then He spoke to me (and I loosely quote):
"Chanelle, take down the note. You're not wrong, but it won't bring the Christian people together. Take it down."
So I did.
And it's true. It doesn't matter what I intended on fighting or how eloquently and nicely I put it. It doesn't matter how right I believe I am, or how good my intentions were in posting it, because it would've naturally caused disagreement. And though arguing has its fruits, when it gets to the point where it's pitting Christian against Christian - not just over any subject, but over God's Word, Will, and Intent - then we're teetering into something dangerous.
There's nothing wrong with a calm discussion, exploring different sides of an issues, and trying to mutually discover and derive a true meaning, whilst respecting and giving merit to each other's viewpoints. But there's a pretense set to these sort of discussions usually, and the intent is to discover as opposed to convincing.
But I had seen how other arguments on this particular subject developed - it was border-lining malicious with no sort of conceding and barely any respect. Given the subject of my note, there was a high chance that this comment section would've turned into a battlefield. As Christians, that is not what God wants from us - to be pitted against one another over a discord in beliefs, when at the heart of it, we believe in the exact same thing - the love of Jesus Christ.
Both sides were advocating for the same Lord, deriving their reasoning from the same Word, and ultimately came to a conclusion that they felt succeeded in glorifying the Kingdom. Perhaps we need to be focusing on that, because in this world, the last thing we need is a thick, black line separating the Christian community. We can argue over other things as much as we want, but I am quite certain that at least that is not God's Will for us as a body.
I am still highly bothered by some of the things expressed in recent days, but I just have to let it go. That is why I will argue no more, for the stability of our body is more important than defending my viewpoint and what it says about my relationship with God when I am quite confident in it already.
So we shouldn't judge or fight against each other - don't worry about what the other person says about a particular issue in regards to their faith in Christ and if it makes them more or less of a Christian, because the definition of a Christian is not up to us, and if a person's heart really belongs to Christ, despite his opinion on a matter - may it be wrong or right -"God is able to make him stand."
I guess it's less about making sure our specific beliefs align, but realizing that a person can, for example, believe that it is God's will that everyone has a choice (even if it is a choice that we vehemently disagree with), and still most definitely be a serious Christian, just as much as someone who dons the complete opposite standpoint, for "God has received" both. It is not that which defines our faith, but our love for the Lord and our love for others, and what we strive to do to promote both.
And if what we're doing is not out of love, then we have an issue. And I realize that the kind of arguing that I was participating in and potentially promoting was not creating an environment of love, but encouraging a divide. And that does not lead to either peace or mutual edification of the Christian body.
So I apologize for arguing. I stand by what I believe, but fact of the matter is, we've all given up our lives for the same Savior and are all trying to live according to the same purpose - His purpose, and derive our convictions, beliefs, and actions for the same Word. And that's all that matters. So instead of bickering amongst ourselves, instead "let us each be fully convinced in our own mind[s]", let's turn our focus and energy outwards in order to have a truly positive effect on this world by living our lives the right way.
Some More Thoughts on Selflessness and Love
From January 14, 2011
What can I say - I’m full of ‘em today! And what’s a blog for? Yeah, exactly.
So the other night, my friends and I watched the movie “Bride Wars.” I was admittedly very skeptical about it - I knew it had gotten horrible reviews, and I won’t deny being a bit of a film snob (film school will do that to you), so I wasn’t exactly excited to be watching it.
I’d love to say that the movie exceeded my expectations. But no, it was terrible. Surprisingly, though, what bothered me most was not the uninspired plot, the implausible moments, the unoriginal dialogue, or the faulty character development. Nope, what drove me crazy about the movie was its morals.
Of course movies often times try to redeem the most appalling behavior with some character redemption or lesson learned at the very end - Bride Wars is no exception. They did it very poorly, though, so it just made the terrible morals of the movie stand out even more to each other. The two main characters treated each other so horribly - I couldn’t even laugh at the gags. Instead I was appalled that two people would so purposely and maliciously sabotage each other.
And even though I know they’re fictional characters who ceased to exist once the end credits rolled, I couldn’t help but think that what they need was some Jesus. The distinct lack of love in that movie was so appalling - how is it remotely okay to treat someone like that? I just found myself constantly wishing throughout the film that they would exhibit Christ-like qualities and subscribe to the love of Jesus. I know there would be no conflict if the characters actually acted in love, but the movie was terrible anyway - they might as well have just made it like that. I don’t want to watch people do horrible things to each other in a mediocre casing for 90 minutes.
But here’s another movie example. I have somehow found myself back in my terrible sleeping habits after taking a hiatus this past semester and discovered that The Disney Channel often times plays old school Disney Channel movies at 3 in the morning - commercial free! So I was stoked to see one morning that Brink! was coming on.
For those who don’t know, Brink! is a movie about four teen roller bladers. There’s more to it - but that’s not the point. There was one point in the movie where the main character, Brink (see where the title comes from?), and his crew are skating against the rival skaters in a relay-type race. Brink is tagged by one of his teammates and starts to race the final leg of the run. The other guy is behind, however, because his teammate has fallen before he can tag him.
Once the rival does get tagged, he goes ahead and starts racing, leaving his injured and moaning teammate behind in a heap on the ground, because all he’s caring about is winning this race. Brink, however, notices that the rival teammate hurt and abandons the race to help the guy out. As he’s checking the guy’s arm and telling people to call the ambulance, the injured guy (who happens to be the same actor who plays the original black Power Ranger haha) is looking at Brink incredulously for helping him out, and even asks him, “What’s wrong with you?” (or something like that).
Now this movie has no religious agenda whatsoever. I’m pretty sure nothing about God or anything is ever mention - it’s all about being Soul Skaters! But as I watched that scene, there was no doubt in my mind that Brink was a Christian. It sound silly, I know, but it was just so striking to me. The selfless behavior, the love shown towards his “enemy.” The movie had set up all this bad blood between Brink and that other crew of skaters - for him to give up on this race he was winning where so much pride was at stake to help the enemy, even though there were plenty of people around to help the guy…I think that really says something about him. It’s the kind of thing us Christians are called to towards by Christ. If he would’ve continued on the race, feigned like he didn’t know the gravity of the other guy’s injuries - no one would’ve held it against him. But the fact that even the injured guy thought Brink was dumb for helping him out - that’s telling, too.
Now most lead characters on TV are decent people. They’re definitely likable. But rarely do they tend to do things that make me think “Oh, that person is totally a follower of Jesus, even if the writer didn’t mean them to be or isn’t gonna acknowledge it.” Brink was the second time (we’ll get to the first later…and the third in a second) in recent memory that I’d really felt that about a character. Of course he puts that in jeopardy a little as the movie goes on, but as for that scene - that was a total Christ move (TCM!)
Now some of you know that I love Alex Russo from Wizards of Waverly Place. I think her character is hilarious, compelling, and I want to be her best friend. She’s a total anti-hero, but I admittedly like that about her. However as far as morals go, she has very little redeemable qualities, I do admit it. The other Disney characters - totally decent people who do the right thing, but don’t seem to be actively striving towards always doing the best thing, especially in how they treat others.
With one exception, and you are going to think I am ridiculous, but Sonny Munroe from Sonny With a Chance - totally a Christian in the way that Christians are supposed to be. As far as the Disney Channel goes, she’s the protagonist that acts out Christ’s principles the best and most, and yes, it’s striking to me. She’s always looking to help out someone, always believes in the best in people and tends to see the positives of situations, and encourages her friends often to do the right thing. I don’t know if that tells much - there are plenty of specific examples, I’m sure - but I just know as I’ve been watching more Sonny With a Chance lately, that really jumped out to me. And I promise it has nothing to do with my Demi Lovato bias haha
To close out this already so long post that’s kind of lost direction and gotten a little diluted since I’ve been distracted so many times since I began to read it - that first time that I really kind of noticed Christ-like qualities in a fictional character was when I was watching Beauty and the Beast last month. Yep, Belle is totally a Christian. I mean, that movie is full of Christian themes anyway, but how she sacrifices herself for her father and is able to see the Beast for who he really is and love him regardless of his mistakes and appearance, plus her general demeanor and actions. Totally saw Christ in there, whether that was the writer’s intentions or not.
That’s all.
What can I say - I’m full of ‘em today! And what’s a blog for? Yeah, exactly.
So the other night, my friends and I watched the movie “Bride Wars.” I was admittedly very skeptical about it - I knew it had gotten horrible reviews, and I won’t deny being a bit of a film snob (film school will do that to you), so I wasn’t exactly excited to be watching it.
I’d love to say that the movie exceeded my expectations. But no, it was terrible. Surprisingly, though, what bothered me most was not the uninspired plot, the implausible moments, the unoriginal dialogue, or the faulty character development. Nope, what drove me crazy about the movie was its morals.
Of course movies often times try to redeem the most appalling behavior with some character redemption or lesson learned at the very end - Bride Wars is no exception. They did it very poorly, though, so it just made the terrible morals of the movie stand out even more to each other. The two main characters treated each other so horribly - I couldn’t even laugh at the gags. Instead I was appalled that two people would so purposely and maliciously sabotage each other.
And even though I know they’re fictional characters who ceased to exist once the end credits rolled, I couldn’t help but think that what they need was some Jesus. The distinct lack of love in that movie was so appalling - how is it remotely okay to treat someone like that? I just found myself constantly wishing throughout the film that they would exhibit Christ-like qualities and subscribe to the love of Jesus. I know there would be no conflict if the characters actually acted in love, but the movie was terrible anyway - they might as well have just made it like that. I don’t want to watch people do horrible things to each other in a mediocre casing for 90 minutes.
But here’s another movie example. I have somehow found myself back in my terrible sleeping habits after taking a hiatus this past semester and discovered that The Disney Channel often times plays old school Disney Channel movies at 3 in the morning - commercial free! So I was stoked to see one morning that Brink! was coming on.
For those who don’t know, Brink! is a movie about four teen roller bladers. There’s more to it - but that’s not the point. There was one point in the movie where the main character, Brink (see where the title comes from?), and his crew are skating against the rival skaters in a relay-type race. Brink is tagged by one of his teammates and starts to race the final leg of the run. The other guy is behind, however, because his teammate has fallen before he can tag him.
Once the rival does get tagged, he goes ahead and starts racing, leaving his injured and moaning teammate behind in a heap on the ground, because all he’s caring about is winning this race. Brink, however, notices that the rival teammate hurt and abandons the race to help the guy out. As he’s checking the guy’s arm and telling people to call the ambulance, the injured guy (who happens to be the same actor who plays the original black Power Ranger haha) is looking at Brink incredulously for helping him out, and even asks him, “What’s wrong with you?” (or something like that).
Now this movie has no religious agenda whatsoever. I’m pretty sure nothing about God or anything is ever mention - it’s all about being Soul Skaters! But as I watched that scene, there was no doubt in my mind that Brink was a Christian. It sound silly, I know, but it was just so striking to me. The selfless behavior, the love shown towards his “enemy.” The movie had set up all this bad blood between Brink and that other crew of skaters - for him to give up on this race he was winning where so much pride was at stake to help the enemy, even though there were plenty of people around to help the guy…I think that really says something about him. It’s the kind of thing us Christians are called to towards by Christ. If he would’ve continued on the race, feigned like he didn’t know the gravity of the other guy’s injuries - no one would’ve held it against him. But the fact that even the injured guy thought Brink was dumb for helping him out - that’s telling, too.
Now most lead characters on TV are decent people. They’re definitely likable. But rarely do they tend to do things that make me think “Oh, that person is totally a follower of Jesus, even if the writer didn’t mean them to be or isn’t gonna acknowledge it.” Brink was the second time (we’ll get to the first later…and the third in a second) in recent memory that I’d really felt that about a character. Of course he puts that in jeopardy a little as the movie goes on, but as for that scene - that was a total Christ move (TCM!)
Now some of you know that I love Alex Russo from Wizards of Waverly Place. I think her character is hilarious, compelling, and I want to be her best friend. She’s a total anti-hero, but I admittedly like that about her. However as far as morals go, she has very little redeemable qualities, I do admit it. The other Disney characters - totally decent people who do the right thing, but don’t seem to be actively striving towards always doing the best thing, especially in how they treat others.
With one exception, and you are going to think I am ridiculous, but Sonny Munroe from Sonny With a Chance - totally a Christian in the way that Christians are supposed to be. As far as the Disney Channel goes, she’s the protagonist that acts out Christ’s principles the best and most, and yes, it’s striking to me. She’s always looking to help out someone, always believes in the best in people and tends to see the positives of situations, and encourages her friends often to do the right thing. I don’t know if that tells much - there are plenty of specific examples, I’m sure - but I just know as I’ve been watching more Sonny With a Chance lately, that really jumped out to me. And I promise it has nothing to do with my Demi Lovato bias haha
To close out this already so long post that’s kind of lost direction and gotten a little diluted since I’ve been distracted so many times since I began to read it - that first time that I really kind of noticed Christ-like qualities in a fictional character was when I was watching Beauty and the Beast last month. Yep, Belle is totally a Christian. I mean, that movie is full of Christian themes anyway, but how she sacrifices herself for her father and is able to see the Beast for who he really is and love him regardless of his mistakes and appearance, plus her general demeanor and actions. Totally saw Christ in there, whether that was the writer’s intentions or not.
That’s all.
Matthew 5:44
From January 14, 2011
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
(Some more thoughts I wrote in my journal earlier - these are a little bit more together, though).
It kind of goes with what I was just talking about [see previous post], and I honestly love this verse. I think it’s so powerful - to be able to treat someone who’s hurt you like you’d treat a loved one, and to do it out of the right heart. It’s amazing to think that Jesus does this - all the people who disregard Him, hate Him, blasphemy Him - He loves them just as much as He loves me. He died for them, too. So like Matthew 5:48 says:
“Therefore you shall be perfect just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
We are to love like He loves.
I’ve made myself do the latter of verse 44 - pray for my enemies, essentially. It is the hardest, yet most humbling thing. And it feels good - not in a self-righteous sort of way, but to let the love of God flow through me…you really feel it in those moments where you pray for someone you really don’t even want to think about.
And it’s so hard to hate them when you’ve prayed for them - to soften your heart towards someone like that just gets rid of a lot of bitterness. It makes things better as a whole.
I think the concept really just kind of leaves m in awe, though - treating my enemies like I would my mom or my best friend. That is so powerful. That is love. It’s the love that we’re call to, like in Matthew 4:46:
“For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do that same?”
It’s great to love your friends and family and really nice people, of course, but it’s not that impressive. To be able to show love to the people you don’t want to - that’s something. It’s hard, of course, and really takes the help of Jesus, but I think it all starts with the right mindset. At least know you are supposed to love these people, too, and accept that. I think that’s a good first step to making it this love easier, instead of just succumbing to bitterness and the way of the world that says you’re allowed to hold a grudge. But it’s not what you’re justified in doing - it’s about striving to be as much like Jesus as we possibly can. That’s how life is supposed to be lived, and I think it makes such a difference.
In my experience, when it comes down to it, it feels better to let go of pride and hold on to love rather than let bitterness and hate consume you. Nothing eats away at you like holding a grudge or even just harboring the slightest bit of disdain towards someone. When I let that go, I feel so much lighter inside. I can feel Jesus’s for me more (not that His love ever changes - I just can experience it better), and it’s a great thing to be able to just smile at the person who’s hurt you - or even at just a generally nasty person.
Love changes the world, man. We just gotta give ourselves fully into it. Let it transform us, then our relationships, and then I know we’ll see a real difference.
My goal for the week (and, well, life): Work on being selfless - naturally selfless through Jesus, so I’ll have the right heart behind it and not even view it as a sacrifice, because I know I have my real treasure in heaven. And then to love to the best of my abilities, especially those who are hard to love. It doesn’t mean I have to think they’re great - just treat them like they are.
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
(Some more thoughts I wrote in my journal earlier - these are a little bit more together, though).
It kind of goes with what I was just talking about [see previous post], and I honestly love this verse. I think it’s so powerful - to be able to treat someone who’s hurt you like you’d treat a loved one, and to do it out of the right heart. It’s amazing to think that Jesus does this - all the people who disregard Him, hate Him, blasphemy Him - He loves them just as much as He loves me. He died for them, too. So like Matthew 5:48 says:
“Therefore you shall be perfect just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
We are to love like He loves.
I’ve made myself do the latter of verse 44 - pray for my enemies, essentially. It is the hardest, yet most humbling thing. And it feels good - not in a self-righteous sort of way, but to let the love of God flow through me…you really feel it in those moments where you pray for someone you really don’t even want to think about.
And it’s so hard to hate them when you’ve prayed for them - to soften your heart towards someone like that just gets rid of a lot of bitterness. It makes things better as a whole.
I think the concept really just kind of leaves m in awe, though - treating my enemies like I would my mom or my best friend. That is so powerful. That is love. It’s the love that we’re call to, like in Matthew 4:46:
“For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do that same?”
It’s great to love your friends and family and really nice people, of course, but it’s not that impressive. To be able to show love to the people you don’t want to - that’s something. It’s hard, of course, and really takes the help of Jesus, but I think it all starts with the right mindset. At least know you are supposed to love these people, too, and accept that. I think that’s a good first step to making it this love easier, instead of just succumbing to bitterness and the way of the world that says you’re allowed to hold a grudge. But it’s not what you’re justified in doing - it’s about striving to be as much like Jesus as we possibly can. That’s how life is supposed to be lived, and I think it makes such a difference.
In my experience, when it comes down to it, it feels better to let go of pride and hold on to love rather than let bitterness and hate consume you. Nothing eats away at you like holding a grudge or even just harboring the slightest bit of disdain towards someone. When I let that go, I feel so much lighter inside. I can feel Jesus’s for me more (not that His love ever changes - I just can experience it better), and it’s a great thing to be able to just smile at the person who’s hurt you - or even at just a generally nasty person.
Love changes the world, man. We just gotta give ourselves fully into it. Let it transform us, then our relationships, and then I know we’ll see a real difference.
My goal for the week (and, well, life): Work on being selfless - naturally selfless through Jesus, so I’ll have the right heart behind it and not even view it as a sacrifice, because I know I have my real treasure in heaven. And then to love to the best of my abilities, especially those who are hard to love. It doesn’t mean I have to think they’re great - just treat them like they are.
Good Friday.
From April 22, 2011
Just thinking about how mad we all get (myself definitely included) when we have to experience the consequences of something we had nothing to do with. Whether it’s being wrongfully blamed for something or even cleaning up after someone else’s mess - it’s so aggravating, and of course “unfair.”
But then I think about how, well, technically I should’ve been the one hanging off of a wooden cross, being punished for my own sinful nature. That really should have been me, atoning for my own sins, if we want to talk about “fair.” But Jesus stepped in instead. Having lived a flawless life, He had no sins to make repentance for. Yet He still willingly let Himself be crucified for every single person.
No wonder Paul is so convinced in Romans 8:38-39 that nothing can separate us from the love of God. He sacrificed His own Son for the sake of a bunch of people who for the most part constantly and completely disregard Him. That’s the kicker. It’s not like Jesus just sacrificed Himself for people who would appreciate it. He sacrificed Himself for everyone.
And I was just reading a devotional about it, and it stated something so true - we owe Jesus our lives. It’s like an episode of one of those TV shows when the main character accidentally saved someone of a different culture’s life, and the person who has been saved says something along the lines of “I am eternally indebted to you and owe you for saving my life.” And that character proceeds to serve the protagonist - well, that’s what it should be like with us with Jesus, right?
I don’t want a moment to go by where I don’t realize and appreciate what exactly Jesus’ sacrifice means for my life. And I don’t want that sacrifice to be in vain. And because I’ve accepted Jesus into my heart as my Savior, it’s not, but there are moments where I behave in a way I shouldn’t, and it’s like - Jesus sacrificed Himself for me, and I can’t simply glorify Him with my actions? It really drives things into perspective. My life has to be all about Him, all the time. Look what He did for me! Look how He loves me! How could I not feel so compelled to give Him everything I have, because He gave me everything He had - His life!
Obviously I wrote this because it’s Good Friday, but I’m going to strive to dwell on this every day. Jesus’ sacrifice doesn’t mean something just today. It means something every single moment for the rest of eternity. And another thing - how can I ever complain, be upset, wade in negativity, when the most amazing act of love was committed on my behalf? For that single fact alone, I should be happy all the time. Life is not perfect at all. Plenty of terrible things and even just moderately bad things happen often. But hey, Jesus loves us so much that He died for our sakes, so that we may live forever with Him. I think that’s worth always smiling over. In fact, I feel so happy right now. It’s just…wow. I am so blessed. We all are.
Anyway, Happy Good Friday!
Just thinking about how mad we all get (myself definitely included) when we have to experience the consequences of something we had nothing to do with. Whether it’s being wrongfully blamed for something or even cleaning up after someone else’s mess - it’s so aggravating, and of course “unfair.”
But then I think about how, well, technically I should’ve been the one hanging off of a wooden cross, being punished for my own sinful nature. That really should have been me, atoning for my own sins, if we want to talk about “fair.” But Jesus stepped in instead. Having lived a flawless life, He had no sins to make repentance for. Yet He still willingly let Himself be crucified for every single person.
No wonder Paul is so convinced in Romans 8:38-39 that nothing can separate us from the love of God. He sacrificed His own Son for the sake of a bunch of people who for the most part constantly and completely disregard Him. That’s the kicker. It’s not like Jesus just sacrificed Himself for people who would appreciate it. He sacrificed Himself for everyone.
And I was just reading a devotional about it, and it stated something so true - we owe Jesus our lives. It’s like an episode of one of those TV shows when the main character accidentally saved someone of a different culture’s life, and the person who has been saved says something along the lines of “I am eternally indebted to you and owe you for saving my life.” And that character proceeds to serve the protagonist - well, that’s what it should be like with us with Jesus, right?
I don’t want a moment to go by where I don’t realize and appreciate what exactly Jesus’ sacrifice means for my life. And I don’t want that sacrifice to be in vain. And because I’ve accepted Jesus into my heart as my Savior, it’s not, but there are moments where I behave in a way I shouldn’t, and it’s like - Jesus sacrificed Himself for me, and I can’t simply glorify Him with my actions? It really drives things into perspective. My life has to be all about Him, all the time. Look what He did for me! Look how He loves me! How could I not feel so compelled to give Him everything I have, because He gave me everything He had - His life!
Obviously I wrote this because it’s Good Friday, but I’m going to strive to dwell on this every day. Jesus’ sacrifice doesn’t mean something just today. It means something every single moment for the rest of eternity. And another thing - how can I ever complain, be upset, wade in negativity, when the most amazing act of love was committed on my behalf? For that single fact alone, I should be happy all the time. Life is not perfect at all. Plenty of terrible things and even just moderately bad things happen often. But hey, Jesus loves us so much that He died for our sakes, so that we may live forever with Him. I think that’s worth always smiling over. In fact, I feel so happy right now. It’s just…wow. I am so blessed. We all are.
Anyway, Happy Good Friday!
What?! We’re supposed to LOVE our enemies?!
From May 10, 2011
Matthew 5:43-48
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
That passage never gets old. Well, nothing in the Bible ever gets old, but this is one of those things that every time I hear, it kind of feels like the first time. It’s just nice to always have those words at the forefront of my head.
With some of us Christians (myself being in that category), I think that the drunkenness, promiscuous sex, saying naughty words stuff - that’s “easy” to abstain from. But this “love your enemies business” - that’s what’s hard. ‘Cause it’s more than just saying “Oh yeah, I love them” and even more just trying to “feel” some sort of love towards them - it’s actually acting in a way that shows this love. Treating them as you would your very best friend, not having ill thoughts towards or saying bad things about them.
And you know, it’s hard to show love all the time towards people we actually like sometimes. Add a person that we have no reason whatsoever to like - wow. And it’s not just tolerating our enemies or refraining from retaliating against or bad talking them. It’s loving our enemies. Think about the things you do for someone who you find easy to love - then imagine treating someone who has screwed you over or just isn’t pleasant to be with that same exact way. And I mean, you love different people in different ways, but we’re called to show some sort of genuine love towards our enemies. And it’s hard because we often feel like we’re justified in not loving that person. And you know, maybe by some standard we are. But a big part of love is showing it to people who we may feel don’t deserve it. Jesus calls us beyond what is “justified” by the standards of this world.
A simple (using that world very loosely) way to start loving your enemies, I’ve found in my own experience, is just praying for them. It does take a lot of pride swallowing, but when you’re praying for someone, it becomes harder to bear ill will towards them. It’s humbling for yourself, beneficial towards said enemy, and helps get you into that loving mindset.
And you know, when you say “enemy”, the connotation of that is some evil person who’s out to ruin your life. But I think enemy just refers to anyone who you’re not inclined to immediately show love towards. That slightly annoying student in your class, that sort of friend who keeps on bailing out on you, the guy driving behind you riding your tail and the lady up ahead of you going 10 miles under as she talks on her cellphone. And everyone else in between. Because really, we’re just called to love everyone.
It does seem crazy, though, that we’re to treat those who scorn us the same way as we treat those who love us, but that’s Jesus for ya. That’s what He does for us when we turn our backs from Him, after all - still loves us, regardless. And just like that last verse from that passage up there says: “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
Lastly, here’s a cool word: magnanimous - very generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful than oneself.
Matthew 5:43-48
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
That passage never gets old. Well, nothing in the Bible ever gets old, but this is one of those things that every time I hear, it kind of feels like the first time. It’s just nice to always have those words at the forefront of my head.
With some of us Christians (myself being in that category), I think that the drunkenness, promiscuous sex, saying naughty words stuff - that’s “easy” to abstain from. But this “love your enemies business” - that’s what’s hard. ‘Cause it’s more than just saying “Oh yeah, I love them” and even more just trying to “feel” some sort of love towards them - it’s actually acting in a way that shows this love. Treating them as you would your very best friend, not having ill thoughts towards or saying bad things about them.
And you know, it’s hard to show love all the time towards people we actually like sometimes. Add a person that we have no reason whatsoever to like - wow. And it’s not just tolerating our enemies or refraining from retaliating against or bad talking them. It’s loving our enemies. Think about the things you do for someone who you find easy to love - then imagine treating someone who has screwed you over or just isn’t pleasant to be with that same exact way. And I mean, you love different people in different ways, but we’re called to show some sort of genuine love towards our enemies. And it’s hard because we often feel like we’re justified in not loving that person. And you know, maybe by some standard we are. But a big part of love is showing it to people who we may feel don’t deserve it. Jesus calls us beyond what is “justified” by the standards of this world.
A simple (using that world very loosely) way to start loving your enemies, I’ve found in my own experience, is just praying for them. It does take a lot of pride swallowing, but when you’re praying for someone, it becomes harder to bear ill will towards them. It’s humbling for yourself, beneficial towards said enemy, and helps get you into that loving mindset.
And you know, when you say “enemy”, the connotation of that is some evil person who’s out to ruin your life. But I think enemy just refers to anyone who you’re not inclined to immediately show love towards. That slightly annoying student in your class, that sort of friend who keeps on bailing out on you, the guy driving behind you riding your tail and the lady up ahead of you going 10 miles under as she talks on her cellphone. And everyone else in between. Because really, we’re just called to love everyone.
It does seem crazy, though, that we’re to treat those who scorn us the same way as we treat those who love us, but that’s Jesus for ya. That’s what He does for us when we turn our backs from Him, after all - still loves us, regardless. And just like that last verse from that passage up there says: “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
Lastly, here’s a cool word: magnanimous - very generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful than oneself.
"...[Love] keeps no record of wrongs."
From May 21, 2011
I Corinthians 13:5
Every day’s a blank slate. We’re to treat everyone in the same loving manner always, regardless of what they’ve done before. It’s hard to forgive, harder to forget, but we’re called to do both. God doesn’t look at my past. So I won’t look at anyone else’s. I wanna live a life that promotes mercy, grace, forgiveness. And hope for the present and tomorrow, no matter what lies in the past.
Can’t hold on to that stuff. You just can’t.
I Corinthians 13:5
Every day’s a blank slate. We’re to treat everyone in the same loving manner always, regardless of what they’ve done before. It’s hard to forgive, harder to forget, but we’re called to do both. God doesn’t look at my past. So I won’t look at anyone else’s. I wanna live a life that promotes mercy, grace, forgiveness. And hope for the present and tomorrow, no matter what lies in the past.
Can’t hold on to that stuff. You just can’t.
Forgiveness
From June 4, 2011
Oh, you have no idea how tempting it is. So so tempting to call out someone on their crap on their facebook wall for everyone to see. It’s that tiny little part of me from high school that has died enough that I won’t ever do that, but still lives enough for it to be tempting, to make the thought of it so satisfying.
Jesus wouldn’t do that, though. In fact, such an action is the opposite of forgiveness. Because it’s one thing to chastise a person privately in order to help them improve - to do so in a humble and loving fashion. But obviously that would not be my motive at all. It would be in some vain, bitter-influenced attempt to get some remorse out of this person. To make them feel bad, to expose and embarrass them and at the heart of it, a little bit of vengeance. Pay back to make that person feel some of the hurt that I had been feeling.
And I hate that there’s a little bit of that in me, even if I would never act out on such urges. Most days I don’t want to - I let the Spirit fill me and influence not just my actions, but my perspective and feelings, and I can feel Jesus’ love, grace, mercy, and kindness sincerely manifesting itself within me.
But there’s moments like these where I just want there to be retribution. But I’ve been down the path where I’ve indulged in such emotions and acted out on them before, and I’d be a liar to say it didn’t feel good in the moment - but what does that eventually accomplish? It’s love that makes a difference in this world, and such an action is in direct opposition of love.
Even a vague bitter allusion to the situation at hand in facebook statuses - not only is it not worth it, it’s not right. As a Christian, I have to believe wholeheartedly in the merit of forgiveness. Even when the person doesn’t ask. Even when person isn’t sorry or doesn’t think they’re in the wrong. I have to have a merciful heart, regardless. It’s hard to always keep ahold of that, but when I manage - it feels so much better than bitterness, revenge and anger.
It’s a lesson God’s teaching me over and over again. Forgiveness - how that ties into love and compassion. Last night I felt it so strongly - His presence washing over me, letting me tap into his ocean of grace. I felt no bitterness in my heart in that moment, no urge for revenge, none of the pain - just forgiveness and the power to forget.
It carried on into day mostly until things crept up a little again, hence the start of this post. But you know, writing through it is helping me get back to where I need to be in my heart. God will use some many things to set a person straight - including themselves. And you know, maybe I haven’t gotten the closure I initially wanted from all of this, but I definitely think there’s closure to be found. Because last night, so clearly God was telling me - “Don’t worry about the friend you lost, because look at the friends you still have that I have given you.” How can I be so caught up on this when God has allowed me to retain the best friends in the world?
So it comes full circle, and I realize that above it all, I am so blessed. Do I still miss old friendships? Of course. Am I still confused about the situation? Oh definitely. But it doesn’t matter. Whatever it is I had in my past served its purpose for the appropriate season. And if there’s another season in the future - then so be it. But if not - then so be it as well. I just know that I am so blessed to have a best friend who I’ve known since I was seven, who’s been there through practically all of it. The one who’d show up at my basketball games when no one else would, who was there through my parents’ divorce, through me wanting to drop out of college, who kept trying when our own friendship was having its problems and I was being kind of a douche about it, through every little up and down - I’ve had a constant that I know a lot of people don’t have. The term “best friend” gets thrown around so much for the most trivial and fleeting of affairs, but I can truly say that I have a best friend. Actually, I have more than just one, which makes it all the more amazing. And I can’t wait to see the story God creates in the years to come with my other best friend.
So to feel frustrated, hurt, bitter, and angry over one friendship gone wrong - to let it affect my peace, to let it get in the way of my pursuit of living out Christ-like values in my life…you know, it’s just not worth it when I have invaluable, amazing friendships which I am so so so sure will not crash and burn. Friends to the end, and then some, thanks to this eternal life business.
And you know, I’m really grateful for the friendships I had that I have no longer. For the purpose these served and the good times we had. It’s just…it’s not worth being anything but grateful, because God is so amazing. And really, I just want everyone to see and experience in that with me. His love has slowly transformed me from someone so bitter months ago, to someone finding their complete peace in all of this.
And you know, He’s the greatest Friend of all. Gosh, how can I ever feel alone? I can’t. It’s a great thing right now in this moment to realize that wow - I really have it all. I have the love of Jesus within me - I have it all. It’s the case for all of us who have Jesus, you know?
So I guess what I’m saying is - don’t get caught up on the things bringing you pain and tribulation. Because I guarantee you somewhere there is something that offsets that pain, that will bring great joy. That’s what I realized more than ever last night as I briefly thought about estranged friendships after I spent a night hanging with and talking to my best friend for a few hours. Losing a friend just really highlighted the wonderful blessings I do have in my life. And because of that, I can’t be bitter, because, well, like I said, I have it all. I don’t want to be angry. I just want to be genuinely loving.
That’s all.
Oh, you have no idea how tempting it is. So so tempting to call out someone on their crap on their facebook wall for everyone to see. It’s that tiny little part of me from high school that has died enough that I won’t ever do that, but still lives enough for it to be tempting, to make the thought of it so satisfying.
Jesus wouldn’t do that, though. In fact, such an action is the opposite of forgiveness. Because it’s one thing to chastise a person privately in order to help them improve - to do so in a humble and loving fashion. But obviously that would not be my motive at all. It would be in some vain, bitter-influenced attempt to get some remorse out of this person. To make them feel bad, to expose and embarrass them and at the heart of it, a little bit of vengeance. Pay back to make that person feel some of the hurt that I had been feeling.
And I hate that there’s a little bit of that in me, even if I would never act out on such urges. Most days I don’t want to - I let the Spirit fill me and influence not just my actions, but my perspective and feelings, and I can feel Jesus’ love, grace, mercy, and kindness sincerely manifesting itself within me.
But there’s moments like these where I just want there to be retribution. But I’ve been down the path where I’ve indulged in such emotions and acted out on them before, and I’d be a liar to say it didn’t feel good in the moment - but what does that eventually accomplish? It’s love that makes a difference in this world, and such an action is in direct opposition of love.
Even a vague bitter allusion to the situation at hand in facebook statuses - not only is it not worth it, it’s not right. As a Christian, I have to believe wholeheartedly in the merit of forgiveness. Even when the person doesn’t ask. Even when person isn’t sorry or doesn’t think they’re in the wrong. I have to have a merciful heart, regardless. It’s hard to always keep ahold of that, but when I manage - it feels so much better than bitterness, revenge and anger.
It’s a lesson God’s teaching me over and over again. Forgiveness - how that ties into love and compassion. Last night I felt it so strongly - His presence washing over me, letting me tap into his ocean of grace. I felt no bitterness in my heart in that moment, no urge for revenge, none of the pain - just forgiveness and the power to forget.
It carried on into day mostly until things crept up a little again, hence the start of this post. But you know, writing through it is helping me get back to where I need to be in my heart. God will use some many things to set a person straight - including themselves. And you know, maybe I haven’t gotten the closure I initially wanted from all of this, but I definitely think there’s closure to be found. Because last night, so clearly God was telling me - “Don’t worry about the friend you lost, because look at the friends you still have that I have given you.” How can I be so caught up on this when God has allowed me to retain the best friends in the world?
So it comes full circle, and I realize that above it all, I am so blessed. Do I still miss old friendships? Of course. Am I still confused about the situation? Oh definitely. But it doesn’t matter. Whatever it is I had in my past served its purpose for the appropriate season. And if there’s another season in the future - then so be it. But if not - then so be it as well. I just know that I am so blessed to have a best friend who I’ve known since I was seven, who’s been there through practically all of it. The one who’d show up at my basketball games when no one else would, who was there through my parents’ divorce, through me wanting to drop out of college, who kept trying when our own friendship was having its problems and I was being kind of a douche about it, through every little up and down - I’ve had a constant that I know a lot of people don’t have. The term “best friend” gets thrown around so much for the most trivial and fleeting of affairs, but I can truly say that I have a best friend. Actually, I have more than just one, which makes it all the more amazing. And I can’t wait to see the story God creates in the years to come with my other best friend.
So to feel frustrated, hurt, bitter, and angry over one friendship gone wrong - to let it affect my peace, to let it get in the way of my pursuit of living out Christ-like values in my life…you know, it’s just not worth it when I have invaluable, amazing friendships which I am so so so sure will not crash and burn. Friends to the end, and then some, thanks to this eternal life business.
And you know, I’m really grateful for the friendships I had that I have no longer. For the purpose these served and the good times we had. It’s just…it’s not worth being anything but grateful, because God is so amazing. And really, I just want everyone to see and experience in that with me. His love has slowly transformed me from someone so bitter months ago, to someone finding their complete peace in all of this.
And you know, He’s the greatest Friend of all. Gosh, how can I ever feel alone? I can’t. It’s a great thing right now in this moment to realize that wow - I really have it all. I have the love of Jesus within me - I have it all. It’s the case for all of us who have Jesus, you know?
So I guess what I’m saying is - don’t get caught up on the things bringing you pain and tribulation. Because I guarantee you somewhere there is something that offsets that pain, that will bring great joy. That’s what I realized more than ever last night as I briefly thought about estranged friendships after I spent a night hanging with and talking to my best friend for a few hours. Losing a friend just really highlighted the wonderful blessings I do have in my life. And because of that, I can’t be bitter, because, well, like I said, I have it all. I don’t want to be angry. I just want to be genuinely loving.
That’s all.
Man, God is so Good!
From July 22, 2011
I love that moment when a specific issue arises in my life that’s starting to bug me and a little later, I do my quiet time for the day, and the verses in the not just one, but at least two of the devotionals I read speak exactly to the issue I’m dealing with. Not even a case of, “Oh, this sort of applies if I interpret it in this way”, but absolutely the exact verses I needed to read in such a moment that speak directly to what I’m experiencing.
Not just to verses, but the accompanying words from the devotional too were just perfect for my situation. I was reading them just like, “Yes! Yes yes yes, thank you, I need this! I needed to read this so much!”
That’s not coincidence. That is totally God speaking to me through His word and His servants. He knows what I’m going through, knows what I need to hear, and speaks out His encouragement to me. And that’s absolutely amazing. There really is no greater love. I am so blessed. We all are, really. We just have to seek Him out, and He’ll give us exactly what we need.
And those words He brought to me today - I really really needed them in this moment. So thank you, Lord!
Hebrews 6:10-12 and Isaiah 26:2-4 were the verses, if you were wondering.
I love that moment when a specific issue arises in my life that’s starting to bug me and a little later, I do my quiet time for the day, and the verses in the not just one, but at least two of the devotionals I read speak exactly to the issue I’m dealing with. Not even a case of, “Oh, this sort of applies if I interpret it in this way”, but absolutely the exact verses I needed to read in such a moment that speak directly to what I’m experiencing.
Not just to verses, but the accompanying words from the devotional too were just perfect for my situation. I was reading them just like, “Yes! Yes yes yes, thank you, I need this! I needed to read this so much!”
That’s not coincidence. That is totally God speaking to me through His word and His servants. He knows what I’m going through, knows what I need to hear, and speaks out His encouragement to me. And that’s absolutely amazing. There really is no greater love. I am so blessed. We all are, really. We just have to seek Him out, and He’ll give us exactly what we need.
And those words He brought to me today - I really really needed them in this moment. So thank you, Lord!
Hebrews 6:10-12 and Isaiah 26:2-4 were the verses, if you were wondering.
I Corinthians 14:3
From August 1, 2011
I like the New King James Version translation the best. It’s not the one people quote so much, but listen here:
“Love suffers long.”
Most versions tend to say “love is patient.” Aww, that sounds nice. But I like the honest, blunt reality of the NKJV translation. Because let’s face it - love is hard sometimes, and I’m not even talking about little middle school break-ups. I’m not even talking romance at all. Some people are hard to love all the time, but with every person, there’s at least some time where it’s hard to love them.
But love suffers long. So when the going gets tough, you keep pushing through. That translations just says so much more to me than simply “love is patient.” It really pushes through the reality of what Christian love is supposed to be like.
And I love thinking about this passage not just as the way I’m supposed to love, but as the way that Jesus loves me. And it’s pretty amazing that nothing can separate us from that kind of love (Romans 8:38-39) that’s described in I Corinthians 14.
I just got a new Bible because my old one was falling apart - the new one is ESV, which I like, but in this I Corinthians passage specifically, I’m seeing why I think NKJV will always be my favorite. Like I Corinthians 14:8, I love how NKJV says “Love never fails.” It’s just so powerful. Meanwhile, ESV says “Love never ends”, which is still so meaningful, of course, but I just love the weight of “never fails.”
Anyway, just wanted to share my thoughts on that.
I like the New King James Version translation the best. It’s not the one people quote so much, but listen here:
“Love suffers long.”
Most versions tend to say “love is patient.” Aww, that sounds nice. But I like the honest, blunt reality of the NKJV translation. Because let’s face it - love is hard sometimes, and I’m not even talking about little middle school break-ups. I’m not even talking romance at all. Some people are hard to love all the time, but with every person, there’s at least some time where it’s hard to love them.
But love suffers long. So when the going gets tough, you keep pushing through. That translations just says so much more to me than simply “love is patient.” It really pushes through the reality of what Christian love is supposed to be like.
And I love thinking about this passage not just as the way I’m supposed to love, but as the way that Jesus loves me. And it’s pretty amazing that nothing can separate us from that kind of love (Romans 8:38-39) that’s described in I Corinthians 14.
I just got a new Bible because my old one was falling apart - the new one is ESV, which I like, but in this I Corinthians passage specifically, I’m seeing why I think NKJV will always be my favorite. Like I Corinthians 14:8, I love how NKJV says “Love never fails.” It’s just so powerful. Meanwhile, ESV says “Love never ends”, which is still so meaningful, of course, but I just love the weight of “never fails.”
Anyway, just wanted to share my thoughts on that.
I Corinthians 13:4-7
From August 3, 2011
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” I Corinthians 13:4-7
I am patient and kind. I do not envy or boast. I am not arrogant or rude. I do not insist on my own way. I am not irritable or resentful. I am do not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoice with the truth. I bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, endure all things.
—-
We did that exercise up there with Cru last year, and it’s a really convicting, revealing thing - to substitute “I” for “love” in that passage. I just read a devotional that implored me to do the same thing, and let’s face it - I am at best half of those things. Maybe 80% of them on a good day. Practically none of them in my disgruntled state yesterday.
But I want to be all of those things. Not to be “holier than thou”, to be able to say that I am so godly and to feel good about myself, but so I can treat people right, because people need to be treated right. They hardly ever deserve to be, but I don’t think that should stop us. And mostly, I want people to be able to see Jesus’ love through me, so that they can come to know Him and experience it personally for themselves.
It really is all about how you treat people. And I ant to really strive to stop throughout my day and ask myself, “Am I being patient? Am I being kind? Am I exemplifying the love I claim to believe? That I claim dictates my entire life and faith?”
If I’m not, then there’s a problem. I’m saved regardless, I’m loved by God regardless, but I don’t want to stay stagnant in my walk. I don’t want to waste time, having a bad attitude, being absorbed and concerned with myself when there are people out there who need to be touched, reached - who just need to experience real love. I don’t want to be a good person for the sake of being a good person. I want to be a good person for the glory of God. I want to be a good person for the sake of who I come across throughout my life.
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” I Corinthians 13:4-7
I am patient and kind. I do not envy or boast. I am not arrogant or rude. I do not insist on my own way. I am not irritable or resentful. I am do not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoice with the truth. I bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, endure all things.
—-
We did that exercise up there with Cru last year, and it’s a really convicting, revealing thing - to substitute “I” for “love” in that passage. I just read a devotional that implored me to do the same thing, and let’s face it - I am at best half of those things. Maybe 80% of them on a good day. Practically none of them in my disgruntled state yesterday.
But I want to be all of those things. Not to be “holier than thou”, to be able to say that I am so godly and to feel good about myself, but so I can treat people right, because people need to be treated right. They hardly ever deserve to be, but I don’t think that should stop us. And mostly, I want people to be able to see Jesus’ love through me, so that they can come to know Him and experience it personally for themselves.
It really is all about how you treat people. And I ant to really strive to stop throughout my day and ask myself, “Am I being patient? Am I being kind? Am I exemplifying the love I claim to believe? That I claim dictates my entire life and faith?”
If I’m not, then there’s a problem. I’m saved regardless, I’m loved by God regardless, but I don’t want to stay stagnant in my walk. I don’t want to waste time, having a bad attitude, being absorbed and concerned with myself when there are people out there who need to be touched, reached - who just need to experience real love. I don’t want to be a good person for the sake of being a good person. I want to be a good person for the glory of God. I want to be a good person for the sake of who I come across throughout my life.
Practical Application for Abortion Issue
From September 21, 2011
Imagining what would happen if every single person who is opposed to abortion put down the picket signs and bumper stickers and instead went to personally engage with these mothers who honestly feel like abortion is their only option and went, “No, it’s not your only option. And I’m going to help you as much as I can with your child.”
Just imagining how huge of an impact it would be. If all of us who are pro-life developed a meaningful relationship with these people considering abortion, got to know them, really showed them love and yes, used the finances that God blessed us with, that aren’t even ours, to support these women so they can feel confident that they actually had the means and support to provide for a child. Or if we were like, “Still not convinced? Okay - bring the baby to term, and then I’ll adopt him/her.”
Because, yes, a fair share of people do have abortions as a way not to deal with the consequences of their actions, even if they do have the means and such to provide for a baby. But so many people honestly feel like it’s their only option, because they live well below the poverty line, and they’re practically on their own, and there’s no one out there really willing to help them out. They can barely provide for themselves - they can’t imagine how they can provide for a child, too.
If we gave our time, support, and money directly to these impoverished, struggling mothers instead of to these campaigns that do nothing but piss people off, I think that’s when we’d see a real difference.
It’s so easy to oppose a situation, but also keep ourselves so removed from that situation. To protest and speak angrily against something and somehow feel like that’s making a difference - that’s easy. To actually put ourselves and our possessions on the line, to truly invest in a person instead of a cause - that’s what’s hard. And we don’t do it nearly enough as supposed followers of Jesus. I guarantee you Jesus wouldn’t be standing outside abortion clinics, holding some abrasive sign. No - He’s be with those who are considering abortion, showing them true love.
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” James 1:27
Angry protests and acidic words aren’t true Christianity in practice. Living out Jesus’ words in sincere love that inspires meaningful action is.
Just some thoughts. Kind of incomplete thoughts, but that was just rolling around in my mind.
Imagining what would happen if every single person who is opposed to abortion put down the picket signs and bumper stickers and instead went to personally engage with these mothers who honestly feel like abortion is their only option and went, “No, it’s not your only option. And I’m going to help you as much as I can with your child.”
Just imagining how huge of an impact it would be. If all of us who are pro-life developed a meaningful relationship with these people considering abortion, got to know them, really showed them love and yes, used the finances that God blessed us with, that aren’t even ours, to support these women so they can feel confident that they actually had the means and support to provide for a child. Or if we were like, “Still not convinced? Okay - bring the baby to term, and then I’ll adopt him/her.”
Because, yes, a fair share of people do have abortions as a way not to deal with the consequences of their actions, even if they do have the means and such to provide for a baby. But so many people honestly feel like it’s their only option, because they live well below the poverty line, and they’re practically on their own, and there’s no one out there really willing to help them out. They can barely provide for themselves - they can’t imagine how they can provide for a child, too.
If we gave our time, support, and money directly to these impoverished, struggling mothers instead of to these campaigns that do nothing but piss people off, I think that’s when we’d see a real difference.
It’s so easy to oppose a situation, but also keep ourselves so removed from that situation. To protest and speak angrily against something and somehow feel like that’s making a difference - that’s easy. To actually put ourselves and our possessions on the line, to truly invest in a person instead of a cause - that’s what’s hard. And we don’t do it nearly enough as supposed followers of Jesus. I guarantee you Jesus wouldn’t be standing outside abortion clinics, holding some abrasive sign. No - He’s be with those who are considering abortion, showing them true love.
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” James 1:27
Angry protests and acidic words aren’t true Christianity in practice. Living out Jesus’ words in sincere love that inspires meaningful action is.
Just some thoughts. Kind of incomplete thoughts, but that was just rolling around in my mind.
Judging people by their possessions is so messed up.
From November 27, 2011
As if what we have is an actual indication of the kind of person we are. It’s disgusting that people will see a person driving a Ford Focus then a person driving a BMW, and automatically deem the latter as someone more worthwhile solely because of the car he or she is driving.
Cars don’t last forever. Nowhere close. Moral fiber, however…
Beth was telling me about this twitter account she followed that said people who drive a Focus, a Fiat, or a Prius suck and thus deserve to be tailgated … wait, what?! So Beth responded to this person, and I retweeted Beth’s retort with three different twitter accounts (don’t ask why I have access to so many counts. Just accept it as it is)…needless to say, this girl got the hint and deleted the offensive tweet.
Perusing this girl’s twitter a little later, I see that she has tweeted the following ridiculousness:
"It's twitter. If you become offended by a tweet then you are an idiot and feel free to unfollow at anytime."
As if twitter justifies diminishing the value of our fellow human because of the car they drive! I wasn’t personally offended, but if I’m an idiot for being concerned on the behalf of people who could be offended, then so be it! I believe in treating all people with love and certainly being sympathetic to their situations, not subscribing to some ridiculous class system where people with a “lower end” car deserve to be pestered and ostracized for no good reason!
It just bothers me that some people feel so entitled, and because of what? That things happened to go their way? Plenty of people work so hard every single day - some people end up with millions, but most end up driving their Focuses to their 9-5 job, trying to provide for themselves and their family. Possessions mean nothing where it counts. There are so many things I want to be rich in…money is not one of them. Especially not at the expense of how I treat others.
Also, we deserve nothing. So how can we think of ourselves as better for possessing something that is a gift from God? I think we should feel so humbled when blessed with something…not self-entitled.
I grew up rather…well off. Upper middle class, certainly. And not even realizing it. Then that all faded away, because money is fickle, and you’ll have a lot of it one year, then two years later, you’re hoping you stay healthy, because you don’t have health insurance and wouldn’t be able to afford a hospital visit. And what counts in those moments when what you used to have isn’t there anymore? What defines you as a person - where is your worth? If it’s in materials, then you’re screwed. You’re no one.
And I’m grateful to be in a position where things don’t come easy. To have to drive a piece of crap car until it was unusable. To have to eat the same thing every single day because I couldn’t afford variety. To be far from luxury, because it has given me a grander perspective on what really matters and what counts. You can’t see yourself as better than anyone else when you’re close to the bottom. And you can’t depend on possessions to characterize your joy or your essence.
My experiences have opened a deeper compassion in my heart. Most importantly, it has drilled into my head that God is most important. For my needs, for my joy, for my identity - everything is found in Him.
It drives me crazy, how people are judged for what they have, or rather what they don’t have. Can’t we just realize that what we have makes us no better or no worse than anyone else? Can’t we see that the essence of life is absolutely not found in what we have?
And if we are blessed with possessions, how about we stop hoarding them and give to these people who have less than us instead of judging them for it? It’s funny how quick we are to zero in on the verses about how much we love God or what God can do for us, but we seem to glide right over the verses about serving and loving our fellow man. It’s real funny.
Matthew 6:19-21
As if what we have is an actual indication of the kind of person we are. It’s disgusting that people will see a person driving a Ford Focus then a person driving a BMW, and automatically deem the latter as someone more worthwhile solely because of the car he or she is driving.
Cars don’t last forever. Nowhere close. Moral fiber, however…
Beth was telling me about this twitter account she followed that said people who drive a Focus, a Fiat, or a Prius suck and thus deserve to be tailgated … wait, what?! So Beth responded to this person, and I retweeted Beth’s retort with three different twitter accounts (don’t ask why I have access to so many counts. Just accept it as it is)…needless to say, this girl got the hint and deleted the offensive tweet.
Perusing this girl’s twitter a little later, I see that she has tweeted the following ridiculousness:
"It's twitter. If you become offended by a tweet then you are an idiot and feel free to unfollow at anytime."
As if twitter justifies diminishing the value of our fellow human because of the car they drive! I wasn’t personally offended, but if I’m an idiot for being concerned on the behalf of people who could be offended, then so be it! I believe in treating all people with love and certainly being sympathetic to their situations, not subscribing to some ridiculous class system where people with a “lower end” car deserve to be pestered and ostracized for no good reason!
It just bothers me that some people feel so entitled, and because of what? That things happened to go their way? Plenty of people work so hard every single day - some people end up with millions, but most end up driving their Focuses to their 9-5 job, trying to provide for themselves and their family. Possessions mean nothing where it counts. There are so many things I want to be rich in…money is not one of them. Especially not at the expense of how I treat others.
Also, we deserve nothing. So how can we think of ourselves as better for possessing something that is a gift from God? I think we should feel so humbled when blessed with something…not self-entitled.
I grew up rather…well off. Upper middle class, certainly. And not even realizing it. Then that all faded away, because money is fickle, and you’ll have a lot of it one year, then two years later, you’re hoping you stay healthy, because you don’t have health insurance and wouldn’t be able to afford a hospital visit. And what counts in those moments when what you used to have isn’t there anymore? What defines you as a person - where is your worth? If it’s in materials, then you’re screwed. You’re no one.
And I’m grateful to be in a position where things don’t come easy. To have to drive a piece of crap car until it was unusable. To have to eat the same thing every single day because I couldn’t afford variety. To be far from luxury, because it has given me a grander perspective on what really matters and what counts. You can’t see yourself as better than anyone else when you’re close to the bottom. And you can’t depend on possessions to characterize your joy or your essence.
My experiences have opened a deeper compassion in my heart. Most importantly, it has drilled into my head that God is most important. For my needs, for my joy, for my identity - everything is found in Him.
It drives me crazy, how people are judged for what they have, or rather what they don’t have. Can’t we just realize that what we have makes us no better or no worse than anyone else? Can’t we see that the essence of life is absolutely not found in what we have?
And if we are blessed with possessions, how about we stop hoarding them and give to these people who have less than us instead of judging them for it? It’s funny how quick we are to zero in on the verses about how much we love God or what God can do for us, but we seem to glide right over the verses about serving and loving our fellow man. It’s real funny.
Matthew 6:19-21
John 15:12-17
From December 9, 2011
“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I commanded you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”
Jesus commands us to love one another in the way that He loves us. He willingly gave His life for us. So what does that say about the way we’re supposed to love others?
“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I commanded you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”
Jesus commands us to love one another in the way that He loves us. He willingly gave His life for us. So what does that say about the way we’re supposed to love others?
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