Love handles with care.
SPEAKING & REACHING
The Holy Spirit reminded me of love, God’s first commandment. I’m grateful that God’s kindness, grace and mercy reaches farther than our errors. God is able to heal every wound in mind, body and spirit. May God grace us to mindfully intercede and speak truth in love when led by the Holy Spirit to restore anyone struggling. May we pray for one another, including those in authority and foes in faith .
Recently, my spirit was disturbed by numerous Christian platforms on my social media feed. While scrolling, I heard scriptures mixed with a little shade and shaming. I heard “religious” divisiveness, quarreling and ego wars. Many messages were full of accusations, finger pointing, judgement and hypocrisy in the name of God. Ironically, some voiced the alleged “unworthiness” of certain human beings; forgetting those mentioned are also made in God’s image and likeness. It hurt to see the body of Christ engaged in this kind activity. A song’s chorus cued up in my spirit. “Where is the love?”
LESSONS IN REFLECTION
In my personal walk, I learned that fear, pride and pain is very tricky. Thereby can humanity be greatly tempted and deceived. I reflected on a greener time of mine. I certainly ruffled some feathers with brashness and misplaced anger on occasion. During growing pains, I made many errors in judgment. I’m a witness that God’s love, forgiveness, mercy, grace and correction meets us in repentance .
QUESTIONS FOR INTENTION
Is it love? Is it worth it?
What’s the endgame?
Before speaking or taking action, it’s wise to ask ourselves, why. It’s good to learn exactly what’s motivating our intentions or desires. Are our words or actions rooted in love? Is it necessary to say or do? If so, who benefits? Is there cost to our wellbeing or someone else’s? Is there peace within? What thought, feeling or emotion rose up before the decision to speak or act? What result are you seeking? What will the choice yield?
LOVE IN MOTION
“Will thou be made whole?”- Jesus
The Holy Spirit reminded me of how Jesus engaged human beings in error. Jesus didn’t accuse or condemn the woman caught in adultery, the Samaritan woman, Paul, Peter or any he encountered. Jesus shared truth with grace. Jesus redeemed and transformed those who received and believed in Him. The parable of the lost son came to mind. Jesus illustrated the love and character of the Father, eagerly waiting to embrace, celebrate and restore us as we return to Him in truth.
God is no respecter of persons. Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21-23 shows that “works” cannot replace personal relationship. We’re human. We all make mistakes. No one is above getting it wrong sometimes. We are saved by grace. May we come to know the love and will of God and be empowered to live within it.
Check out inspired thoughts prior to this post:
POV
How we look judging other’s:
LOVE BLUNDERS
When we know better, we do better.
1). No one is perfect. (Romans 3:22-31, 2 Corinthians 10:1-5)
2). God is the only judge. (Isaiah 33:22, Psalm 75:7-9), Romans 2:11-16), (Matthew 7:1-5).
3). There is one accuser. (Revelation 12:10-11),
4). Trust God. Speak the truth in love or be silent. (Ephesians 4, Proverbs 3:5-6)
5). Love everyone. (1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew 22:37-40)
6). Repent, it’s ok. Everyone makes mistakes. (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9, #3341)
SOURCE REFERENCES
Galatians 5, Galatians 6:1-10, Matthew 22:36-40, Ephesians 4:15, Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 7:1-5, John 8:1-11, Luke 15:11-32, James 4, Ephesians 2:8-9, Matthew 23, Galatians 5:17-25 Romans 2:11-16, Romans 8, Romans 3:23, John 3:16, Genesis 1:26-28, Matthew 22:37-40, Proverbs 16:18, Jeremiah 17:19, James 1:19-27, John 4, Isaiah 41:10, 2 Timothy 1:7.Galatians 6:2, James 5:16 . 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Matthew 5:43-45, Acts 9, “knew” #1097 “ginóskó”, 1 Corinthians 13 Song: Where Is The Love” By Roberta Flack and Donnie Hathaway via Aunty Soul, Biblegateway.com, Biblehub.com, Strong’s Concordance.
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