Thoughtful Things

The Family Church - Hardin, TX

Before we decide to hold our grudges against one another and decide whether someone is worthy of being forgiven or loved, let us remember that God has died for us so that we could live and therefore have the faith to forgive one another, to love one another, no matter the hardships it may bring to us. John 13: 34 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”

In the beginning God loved even before we existed. God lived in a perfect community of love, and did not need anyone, but chose to create humans with whom he could share his passion. God created these humans, and he loved them. More than anything, he wanted a relationship with them. How could he reveal his love to them? How could he win their respect? Perhaps, the more significant challenge, how could he bridge the vast chasm that separated them? God realized there was only one way.

John 1: 9, “ The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” Jesus left Heaven to come to the world. He became one of us, and he became “ Emmanuel,” God with us.

The Lord promises that love and forgiveness is possible. Even when hurt seems too great to repair, God tells us “I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19). A heart of love. We experience a heart of stone when we are too angry, too selfish, or too frozen by the pain others have caused us. A heart of flesh, while it may be vulnerable, it is compassionate and can show love. A heart of flesh sees that while we are feeling pain, the other person may also be hurting for that pain they caused us. We can get so caught up in ourselves that we do not even notice another is struggling from the offense. It is true that people need to be held accountable for their actions. But these people also need patience from us. They need love.

As it was said: “Be patient with me” (Matthew 18:26). Practicing patience with another, holding onto the hope and vision for our relationship with them, is a true act of compassion and love. We need to ask God to help us on our journey and ask for the courage it takes for us to be patient with another, to love one another and forgive one another and the understanding needed to see that they too are working through the pain that needs forgiveness and love. Sow seeds of love and kindness even when others around you may not be tilling the ground and planting seeds.

Visit The Family Church at 9456 Hwy 146 N Liberty, TX ( Hardin, TX) or facebook live @tfchardin.