“This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:17 “Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.” Eph 4:2 NLT
I don’t know why you have been surprised by the harshness of life, no one said it would be easy. People will be mean, they will ignore you, say hurtful things about you. There will be those who seem to not care, they go about their life in seemingly selfish behavior. They will judge you unjustly on outward appearances and things they don’t see or understand.You will experience times of loneliness and pain. You will face death, sickness and heartbreak.
No one lives long without these things. No. One. “Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12 NLT
Dear sister, you must also recognize those moments that you have caused the hurt in the life of another. You have judged unjustly and caused heartache. You have ignored one who needed a friendly smile. You too have said hurtful things. You have been selfish. You have made the choice to not befriend one who needed it. You have chosen to try to withdraw and hide from life. You have decided to hold people at arms length.
Yes today is a day of sorrowful reflection. A day that reminds me I have failed my sisters. I have hurt and been hurt. I have been judged and I have judged. The thing is, we all have failed one another. We have failed as yet another wife, mother and sister falls into depression, and despair. She is ready to give up on her community, herself and life. She feels alone.
We are all guilty. Not one of us can claim that we have not been selfish. We have ignored those in need of a friend. We all do or say things that cause heartbreak. We are all guilty of not being the hands and feet of Jesus to all within our community regardless of race, social, marital, or economical status.
It is time for confession. Time for forgiveness. It is time to stop hurting and start reconciling. Let us embrace one another with the love of Jesus Christ. Let us reach out to a sister who needs to know someone cares. If we can’t be the hands and feet of Jesus to those within our church walls how will we ever reach those outside the walls?
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor” Romans 12:10
“Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another.” Gal 5:26NLT
Oh Father help me to see the hurt and pain of those around me. Help me to be Your hands and feet. Help me to see with Your eyes and hear with Your heart. Forgive me for my pity excuses to not reach out and serve those who need a simple hug or smile. I want Your Spirit to be alive in me working, and doing the will of the Father. Help me to reach across racial and social division to those who need a friend. Help me to get out of my comfort zone and reach out to those who are different then me. Help me be like Jesus. Amen.
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