Two days ago a deaf women asked me, in tears, if she should grant her husband the divorce he is demanding . . .
Two weeks ago I was made aware of an abusive relationship . . .
Two months ago another deaf lady tells of a happening that is causing her great shame . . .
And I have been feeling so unqualified, so unable to meet these needs. To give the right counsel . . .
There are so many things that I need to work on - just me - how could I help anyone else? Isn't there someone more studied, more ready, more qualified to handle this than me?
Well, yes, perhaps, but the point is . . . they are not here! I am.
There is some serious spiritual bleeding going on, and there may not be a hospital near by, but I sure can administer first aid!!
So I am going to learn about ministering to the spirit, though prayer, and being able to hear, really hear God's Spirit. And I am going to be ministered to - to help assure that my own spirit is healthy to be able, then, to help others.
I am learning about The significance of sowing and reaping.
It's going to be a process. I know. And I'm rather excited about it.
There are spiritual laws at work that are as real and affecting as gravity, whether or not you believe in them.
Luke 6:37-38 says:
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be
condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you.
A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured
into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
If you take this verse in context - the part about "give, and it will be given to you" what is it talking about?
Forgiveness
What does forgiveness look like? It is a giving of the case to God.
- it's a decision, not a feeling
- it is acknowledging what happened, not denying the pain or anger
- it accepts that we can not go back to the way things were, not living "as if it never happened"
- it is not forgetting, the aim is to come to a point where the memory will no longer cause us pain
- forgiveness is not reconciling ourselves to a person who is unwilling or dangerous
- it is to accept and live with the consequences, not to be in denial, or continually grieving or blaming . . .
- it is the giving up of my right for retribution or restitution (that's in God's hands)
- it does not maintain a list of offences or hurts or a list of all we'd like to say
- it means dealing with my own hurts and offence and nothing to do with the guilt or innocents of the offender
- it is not necessarily a one time deal, it is only the beginning of the healing process
- it does not grant instant trust, the offender is responsible to rebuild/earn that trust. Earned trust is restitution
- forgiveness is a gift from God and something we do with His strength and grace, not our own
To harbor unforgiveness towards someone is like drinking poison and expecting the offender to die.
That's just to start off this week.
6 comments:
You said: "To harbor unforgiveness towards someone is like drinking poison and expecting the offender to die." I read something pretty much like that in a book on healing and forgiveness. It really hadn't occured to me before, and I was going through trying to forgive a deep hurt. Excellent point - it poisons us, not them. I can't wait to read more of what's on your heart as you dig deep to try to help those around you.
You are so right, there is no way you can minister to these women with all your human frailties. I'm sure glad Christ can!
Congratulations on answering the call to minister to these women. God will fill you up to effectively share His heart and message. Put your hand to the plow and don't look back!
Forgiveness sure can be a hard concept to master! I think many people don't realize the part about forgiveness being a decision, not a feeling. (The same people think the same thing about love. Love is a choice that must be made daily.)
Praying that you will receive guidance from the holy spirit!
there's a Jaci Velasquez song I think you might like:
Ev'ry brief encounter that You send my way
Is a chance to show the love You gave me.
I see their troubled faces, a hunger deep inside
But I depend on You to touch their lives.
Light what burns within me, let Your truth shine through my life.
Speak for me; this my plea.
Say the words I can't express.
Sing for me a heavenly melody
That the people will be blessed.
Speak for me.
Sing for me, set me free,
They will see Your holiness.
Speak for me.
'Cause Your love will lead them on to heaven's gate
Where they can look upon Your face.
Light what burns within me, let Your truth shine through my life.
;o) It's so nice to see that other peoples walks are still continuing when mine is failing to be consistant!
I LOVE that! You are so encouraging... thank you!
Wow this is a good one.
Michelle, I pray that God will give you the strength and wisdom to help all these people that come your way.
Thanks for sharing all those things about forgiveness, there's some really good points in there. I especially like the statement, "To harbor unforgiveness towards someone is like drinking poison and expecting the offender to die."
Post a Comment