Jo chose a passage from 2 Timothy 2:25, "Be humble when you correct people who oppose you. Maybe God will lead them and (they will) turn to Him and learn the truth." Today, I made a very childish, un-loving remark to someone at church. Yet, no one scolded or took offense. My remark was met with love and humility. They met my "self"-reaction with Christ-like reactions. I am humbled by their kind spirits and have peace that God showed me a better way through them. I pray that someday I will have the humility and love that was returned to me today in exchange for my selfish remark. I will pray hard, and hope my friends will pray for me, too, for my transformation.
"I was surprised, somehow, when I realized the feelings I had were so unlike Christ's. I thought that work had been done in me, in fact, I thought it had been completed. This just shows me that as a poor human, I will always suffer imperfection. I will always have "a way to go." Therefore, I will start by forgiving myself and being thankful for friends that look the other way and for a God that forgives.
"Oh, God, of small and large miracles, I thank you for friends that forgive. Help me to be transformed in my spirit that I might have kindness and humility towards others. Help me to be a Champion Lover. Amen."
Now, twenty years later, I can honestly say, God does answer prayer, and He does forgive. But, I am still imperfect, and there are times that I still say things that I wish later that I had not. I think fast and sometimes speak before I think how it will sound. My intentions may not be to hurt, but my brain doesn't tell me to....Wait! I pray the Holy Spirit will intervene and I need for this prayer to become a welcome habit...in all circumstances.
Hope and pray things are well with you, and your prayers are guiding your hearts.
Jo INMN
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