Tag: love

The Price of Unforgiveness

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One of the basic elements of our Faith is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, all our strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. And when we truly love from our heart, we walk in step with the Spirit.

So, why do Christians have such a difficult time with forgiving?

Sometimes we ourselves make it difficult to forgive because we take on a victim mentality. And maybe it wasn’t fair what was done to us, but, harboring that unforgiveness in our hearts will eventually choke out the love we’re called to have for our neighbor.

Just as our Lord Jesus Christ we’re called to love, forgive, show mercy and compassion. But if we’re unable to forgive people in our lives from the present to the past, maybe, we should be asking ourselves, do I really have love in my heart the way Christ Jesus commanded?

This issue of Unforgiveness reminds me of the parable of the unforgiving servant found in Matthew 18:23-35. Jesus starts off by saying;

Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain King who wanted to settle accounts with His servants. One of His servants owed Him ten thousand talents. But as he was  not able to pay, His Master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before Him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the Master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

But that servant went out and found one of his servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all. And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.

So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his Master, after He had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you? And His Master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. “So My Heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brothers trespasses.

Did you catch the last two sentences Jesus said?

This statement should strike fear in all the hearts of those who are harboring unforgiveness. And something else to think about, how can one advance in their walk with Christ when they’re holding on to the bitter seeds of Unforgiveness?

Remember, nothing is too difficult for the Lord. If you truly want to follow Christ you must be willing to pray and tell Him you have Unforgiveness in your heart and you need His help so you can work through it. Because we can do nothing on our own. And He will ensure you love as He loves, that you  show mercy, compassion and forgiveness as He did and still does. And remember what the Lord Christ Jesus said as He was being crucified in Luke 23:34?

And Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Now that’s the ultimate forgiveness!

Nine Virtues of a Christ-like Character

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In Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul outlines the Fruit of the Spirit. A collection of nine virtues that together make up a Christ-like character. These virtues, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, are the hallmarks of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. Each attribute reflects part of Jesus’ own nature and offers a blueprint for how we are to live as His followers. Love leads us to selflessly care for others. Joy uplifts us and those around us, and peace brings harmony in our relationships. Patience helps us endure trials with grace, while kindness and goodness spur us to acts…

The Christian Kitchen Table
June 1st – Galatians 5:22-23

If You Love Me

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Unfortunately today, hate seems to be prevalent in all aspects of our society. And it seems to be ruling mankind from the very least all the way to the very elite.

I’m referring to unbelievers as well as many Christians. Many Christians are finding themselves at odds with one another over these world ideologies.

Why is it happening?

I believe this is due to people focusing on their families, work, finances, and playtime, you know, everyday life instead of focusing on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Just as 5 of the 7 Churches found in the Book of Revelation strayed from Christ, so has the United States of America.  What’s interesting is ONLY 1 CHURCH will be kept from the hour of trial which will come on the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

At this point I believe it would be wise to review the Church of Philadelphia, also known as the Faithful Church. There are two points that really stood out to me about this church.

First, how the Lord tells them He will make those of the Synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie – Christ will make them come and worship before their feet, and to know that He has loved them.

And second, because they kept His command to preservere, Christ says He will keep them from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

From my studies I believe these same issues plague our Churches today. Because we’re constantly hearing of scandals within Churches. Churches experiencing sexual immorality, Churches experiencing theft issues, Churches placating to false Prophets and Prophetess, Churches embracing world ideologies, Churches who are lukewarm and comfortable in their present state. And then there are those Churches who have completely lost their love for Christ and are more interested in hearing messages that inspire instead of God’s Truth.

So what’s the anecdote? It’s really quite simple. The Scripture I’m referring to is found in John 24:15, and it  reads;

If you love Me, keep My commandments.

You see, when we truly love the Lord Christ Jesus we’ll do whatever He says. Because nothing is more important in our life than He is. Our focus should always be on Him since He is the one who reconciles us to GOD!

And remember what else He tells us about loving Him. Because when we understand this principle we shouldn’t be worried about the mark which is part of the testing that will come upon the whole world. The Scripture I’m referring to is Matthew 10:37-39, and reads;

He who loves Father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

REPENT of your sins believe in Him and follow the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Because when the mark is presented and you’re faced with the choice…

Who will you choose to serve?

Study the Bible?

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Story after story
adventure, battles, love
poems, history, narratives
mysteries, miracles, madness
hope, forgiveness, mercy
justice, might, Almighty

The Bible answers our questions
leaves us with dozens more
guides, rebukes, promises
layered with meanings
prophesies, hope

The Bible is God's Word
His gift to those who choose
to love, obey, follow
Bible is precious, holy, divinely inspired.

*****
Each time we read the Bible, we are blessed as more is revealed to us about who God is and what kind of relationship He wants with us. Our understanding grows as we spiritually mature and are capable of understanding its many messages. Again and again I read it, each time gleaning new things I didn't see before. It is the most read book to ever exist. And will continue to be...
God’s Path of Light
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Reflecting Love

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Some of the most profound scriptures found in the Bible are those of love. While all of scripture is wonderful, those which speak to God’s love and how we as Christians should carry ourselves is amazing. For instance, in one of the scriptures I’m seeking to memorize, reads;

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

Although, this scripture doesn’t specifically have the word love in it, it’s the very reflection of love. Being kind to people, tenderhearted, and forgiving, shows we have God’s love within us. Unfortunately, in the world today Love is a rare commodity. Sure we may love our family members but even so, families argue, they feud. But, if we have God’s love within us, we’re able to exhibit the qualities listed in this scripture regardless of what comes our way.

Personally, this is something I’ve had an issue with and constantly battling against. I say this because in the past, I’ve been very opinionated, critical, even judgmental. And, as someone raised in the West, we’re often seen as argumentative, proud and even arrogant. While Christians are not called to quarrel and argue, we are called to reason with others and sometimes this may come across as one who likes to argue. It’s a delicate line and I admit, an area I’m still being refined in. But gracious is God’s mercy and love for us! Since God is the very essence of love, I know He will ensure through the Holy Spirit I learn this lesson along with many others.

God bless you and remember, Jesus Christ is our Hope regardless of what this world throws at us…

A Prayer of Brokenness

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For I consider the sufferings of this present time

are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us.

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer

through Him [Jesus] who loved us and gave His life for us.

Romans 8:18 and 37 NASB

The following is a prayer I wrote a few years ago while going through an intensely difficult season of my life due to an ongoing trial that has lasted many years. I wonder, do my words echo your heart?

Father, my heart hurts. I want to cry and never stop. The pain is so great right now and I see no end in sight. I can’t hear You. What are You telling me? Comfort me, Father! Cause me to know the way I should walk…make my path straight and clear. Enable me to release the weight of this burden. I know people are not the “real” enemy…but it still hurts when they are so indifferent…so mean…so heartless…How do I walk this path, Father without becoming bitter and hard?… How?

Lord, give me eyes to see my circumstances as You see them, give me Your perspective. I’ve lost my way in the darkness of this trial. Help me, Lord! Your Word says You are near the brokenhearted and save such as are crushed with sorrow. I qualify! Your Word also says “Am I a God who is near declares the Lord and not far off?” Increase my faith, Father. Enable me to walk by faith…

Devotions For Difficult Days
https://devotionsfordifficultdays.wordpress.com/2024/02/07/og-devo-a-prayer-of-brokenness

Love is the Answer

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With everything transpiring within our world today many Christians are watching what’s taking place and find themselves somewhere in the middle of this conflict. Many are confused as to which side they should stand with. For me there’s no confusion, because, my Lord, Christ Jesus was very clear in the scriptures. But for clarification and to ensure I’m following correctly, I decided to read about one of the most difficult subjects in the Bible, the ability to love one’s enemy. It’s also probably one of the most important and difficult teachings of Christ. Unfortunately, with everything going on in this world we’re seeing the exact opposite of this taking place. Lines are being drawn and people are choosing the side of Israel or they’re choosing the side of the Palestinians. But for Christians, we’re called to love, even during the most difficult times, and especially, when the world is going in the opposite direction. Because as a Christian, I’m on the side of my Lord, Christ Jesus. The scriptures I’m referring to, read;

Luke 6:27 ~ But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Matthew 5:43-45 ~ You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

1 John 4:7 ~ Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love.

1 Corinthians 13:2-7 ~ If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing. 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 account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

As Christians we’re called to emulate Christ. We’re not called to repay evil with evil or to avenge one another, instead we’re called to love and treat all men as we want ourselves to be treated. While the acts of Hamas was absolutely horrific and evil, as a Christian I’m called to mourn for the families who have lost loved ones, the Jewish people and Palestinians, rejoice when hostages are released and to pray for the enemies heart to be changed. I’ll leave you with the scriptures below which sums everything up, they read;

Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice;
weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but
enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part,
live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for
God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord. On the contrary,

If you enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him a drink.
For in so doing, you will heap
burning coals on his head. Do not
be overcome by evil, but overcome
evil with good.

Romans 12:14-21

Love Doesn’t Point Fingers

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It’s intesting how sister Michele of Ride the Heavens interpreted a past dream I had on her blog post entitled, Finger Power, and accurately interprets a situation I’ve been wrestling with, and over, for the past several days. What I’m referring to is the act of finger pointing.

As I read the scriptures I see over and over how Jesus WAS and IS love. He demonstrated His love through every single act whether it was healing the sicking, restoring sight, raising the dead, teaching, or feeding the hungry, every act was done out of love. With the ultimate act of love being His sacrifice on the cross.

Jesus wasn’t about pointing fingers and calling out a person over their sin, there was no need, the person themselves knew they were doing wrong. Instead, Jesus taught a better way, we are to love one another as ourselves. You see, the Pharisees and scribes always used finger pointing to convict people of their sins. In the story of the woman caught in adultery, the scriptures read;

Now the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery. They made her stand in the center of the court, and they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the very act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women [to death]. So what do You say [to do with her–what is her sentence]?” They said this to test Him, hoping that they would have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and began writing on the ground with His finger. However, when they persisted in questioning Him, He straightened up and said, “He who is without [any] sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then He stooped down again and started writing on the ground. They listened [to His reply], and they began to go out one by one, starting with the oldest ones, until He was left alone, with the woman [standing before Him] in the center of the court. Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” She answered, “No one, Lord!” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.” John 8:3-11

In true fashion, Jesus didn’t point fingers at this woman over her sin as the pharisees and scribes did, instead, He showed her a better way. He showed her it’s better to love than to create animosity, it’s better to extend kindness than to rely on mankind’s judgment, and it’s better to let love convict one’s heart.

It’s time believers teach the TRUTH, stop judging non-believers, stop finger pointing and accusing them of THEIR sin, and let the Gospel do what it was intended to, convict those whom God has called!

The Answer is Love

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As I look around our world today I see division among us. We’re divided over politics, over religion, over gender ideology, over race, over vaccine mandates, over border issues, over homelessness, over illegal drugs, over lawlessness, over misinformation, over climate change, over clean energy, over Ukraine, over China, over Russia, over science and over GOD.

Is this how it’s meant to be?

I believe it’s difficult for Christians in this day and age. Why? Because our focus is always suppose to be on Christ. But how does a Christian continue daily with their family needs, with society and still have the mind of Christ? Because if you’re married and have children you have certain responsibilties which must be met daily. Breakfast must be made, children up and dressed for school, husband up for work, you’ve got to get ready for work or if you’re a stay at home mom you have all those household chores waiting for you. And society itself isn’t a place reflective of Christ today.

So, how do we remain in Christ?

Through love, because, everything we do, everything we aspire to do must be from a place of love. Whether it’s taking care of our children, our husband, working, it must come from a place of love. Mothers should;

  • Love their children (1 Kings 3:26, Isaiah 49:15)
  • Comfort and care for them (Ruth 4:16, Isaiah 66:13)
  • Protect them (Exodus 2:1-4)
  • Educate them (1Timothy 3:15)
  • Watch over their affairs (1 Kings 1:11-31,Genesis 27:5-17)

Wives are to answer to their husbands so that if the husband is disobedient to the word, the wife can win them over stictly by their behavior, look what it says;

In the same way, you wives, be subject to your husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won over without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your pure and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely the external-braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or putting on apparel; but it should be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gently and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.(1Peter 3:1-4)

Wives, subject yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. (Ephesians 5:22-24)

It’s out of love that we as wives, mothers, daughters, sisters and grandmothers can do all these things. But as I continued my journey through the scriptures I came across these scriptures, which says;

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1John 4:7,8)

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Galatians 5:14)

He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the stranger by giving him food and clothing. So show your love for the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:18,19)

You have heard that it was said, YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may prove yourselves to be Sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:43-45)

From these scriptures I’ve learned, love isn’t just for our families, neighbors or churches. It’s also for the stranger and for our enemies. And regardless of whether or not we agree with one another’s opinion we can’t allow that to be the reason we don’t love. Remember the Apostle Paul says;

Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)