“…you have to cherish the world at the same time that you struggle to endure it.”
~Flannery O’Connor
I know the Bible says in 1 John to “Love not the world, neither the things of the world.” I’m not talking about loving or cherishing the things of the world or the approval of others as idols or replacements for having our needs met by God. When I talk about cherishing here I mean extending oneself to care deeply for people who don’t, or can’t, care back. I mean seeing value and the image of God in every person with an opinion, regardless of how irritating they can be at the moment.
Miracles, signs and wonders pale in significance to the wonder of the supernatural ability to love the ones whose threats strike fear or those with followers who seem to oppose everything you think or say or do.
It’s easy to become defensive or to retaliate when you are misunderstood and misrepresented. I don’t want to be identified with “them” – or “them” either. Sometimes I want to hide from conflict and leave a note on the door of my bomb shelter: Call me when you’ve worked it out.
But we don’t have that option. Love compels us to walk into the middle of the struggle, armed only with the grace we ourselves have received and the humble authority it produces.
Thank God, his grace is more than enough. It’s abundant. It’s powerful.
Charis: Subject to Change 
This is the heart of it, Sister. Solid teaching and word of encouragement.
One of the things Father has shown me that is yet to come for His bride is the willingness for His children to really, without any bs… take an honest look at what makes us tick.. and drag those hurts and false beliefs to the cross.
The time will come.. we are almost at the end of our old selves ruling.
A wonderful word that brings life hope. Thank you for sharing as always. I need to post this on fb once I get off work. 🙂
Thank you
David NY
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Thank you, David. Have you noticed that if you ask the Lord to examine your heart and to reveal any hurtful way lingering there that he will do just that? A wee bit at a time, lavishing us with grace so we can trust the process. Who can risk honesty without first knowing his love?
Thanks for sharing on Fb. I hope you had a good day at work.
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Charis-
Yes! It’s amazing. I used to tell Him that he can do whatever He wants, just be gentle with me. As time went on, I began to realize I was asking Him this because there was a deeper level of mis-trust He wanted me to release.
it simply is amazing how far he will go to heal us if we only are willing to work thru some (admitabley, scary) pain.
I am so spotty on fb… but Father has truly placed within me a desire to share what each other has to offer and this was much more than the superficial exhortations we often hear. So, thank *you.* The Body truly needs those who have courage to speak the truth, in love.
Your brother,
David
p.s. my day was very good 🙂 thank you
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Woooow….yes. Amen.
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Thank you, Jody. Blessings on your day!
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This is good. Love, Isabella
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Thank you, Isabella. Blessings on your day.
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You are more than welcome Charis<3 Love, Isabella
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