"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better." Eph 1:17 (NIV)
One of the greatest things about relationships is the acquiring and possession of knowledge regarding another person. When the relationship is new, it is filled with excitement by the knowledge and information gathering process. Think of budding romantic relationships where all of life is a distraction that hinders contact with the object of your affection. As much time as possible is spent together both in person and on the phone. Poems are written, song lyrics are dedicated and through it all, learning takes place.
Later, this foundational knowledge is used to make continued interaction as enjoyable and successful as possible. A wife has learned to read a husband's facial expressions and determine his mood. A husband has learned how special certain occasions are and to be sure not to miss them. In stages later still, the frantic chatter of getting to know one another has given way to companionable silence that rest in the peace derived from a life time together and the knowledge that the other is always there and ever shall be until the Lord calls them home.
It must also be said that gaining knowledge of another with whom you are in a relationship almost always lends itself to greater knowledge of yourself. It is unavoidable to learn about what you do well and areas that could use some work.
Beloved our relationship with Jesus has many of these same attributes. For almost all of us, when we begin our relationship with him, we laud it as the best decision we've ever made and the best thing that has ever happened to us. We spend all kinds of time in prayer, bible study and worship. We seek him out in everything we do and we live our lives according to his word. In so doing, we also learn quite a bit about ourselves. Our shortcomings become obvious but our desire to improve them, based on our knowledge of Jesus, becomes paramount. As our relationship with him matures, however, our desire to know him continues to grow and it is we who have become better by conforming to him.
Let us always pursue our relationship with the Lord. Even as we continue to learn more about those with whom we are in a relationship, there is always something fascinating and new to learn about our Savior.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Showing posts with label Relationships. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Relationships. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Needing God and Each Other-6/18/2012
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." James 5:16
To be sure, we all need God. There is nothing without Him. A close second, however, is the fact that we all need each other. Among the greatest and most beneficial things God created are relationships. Everything He created relates in some way to every other thing, most relevantly male and female animals and the creation of man and woman. Nowhere in Scripture are we command to worship God in isolation but in association with others.
As parents raise their children together, so God raises His. We teach our kids to love honor and respect one another as well as others, but these are lessons we learn from our common Father. The benefits of living life in association with others are innumerable. Among the things we can do with and for each other is to grow our relationship with God through prayer.
Beloved we all need encouragement. We need companionship. We need to be corrected when we are out of line. And we need to be needed. By confessing our sins to one another we are not only positioning ourselves to receive needed help, but we are empowering brother(s) and sister(s) to obey God and to use the gifts with which they have been blessed. It is not unusual for a person to feel so down that they cannot pray for themselves. This is where our relationships are most effective. As the Scripture says, great and wondrous things can be accomplished through prayer. Verses 17 and 18 of the same passage outline the fact that Elias prayed and it did not rain for three and a half years. He prayed again and the rains came bringing forth fruit. Imagine using that power for one another. God would have us to relate to one another within our relationship with Him.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
To be sure, we all need God. There is nothing without Him. A close second, however, is the fact that we all need each other. Among the greatest and most beneficial things God created are relationships. Everything He created relates in some way to every other thing, most relevantly male and female animals and the creation of man and woman. Nowhere in Scripture are we command to worship God in isolation but in association with others.
As parents raise their children together, so God raises His. We teach our kids to love honor and respect one another as well as others, but these are lessons we learn from our common Father. The benefits of living life in association with others are innumerable. Among the things we can do with and for each other is to grow our relationship with God through prayer.
Beloved we all need encouragement. We need companionship. We need to be corrected when we are out of line. And we need to be needed. By confessing our sins to one another we are not only positioning ourselves to receive needed help, but we are empowering brother(s) and sister(s) to obey God and to use the gifts with which they have been blessed. It is not unusual for a person to feel so down that they cannot pray for themselves. This is where our relationships are most effective. As the Scripture says, great and wondrous things can be accomplished through prayer. Verses 17 and 18 of the same passage outline the fact that Elias prayed and it did not rain for three and a half years. He prayed again and the rains came bringing forth fruit. Imagine using that power for one another. God would have us to relate to one another within our relationship with Him.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
No Salvation by Association-2/15/2012
"For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food; and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness." 1 Cor 10:1-5
It seems that more and more these people are concerned with appearances. Perhaps it is human nature to wear a mask and protect that which is behind it with all of one's might. Sadly, we are not nearly as consumed with having the inner man and woman and the outer man and woman be reflections of one another or better, of Jesus. Sometimes the masks we wear are made up of the religion in which we clothe ourselves. Far too often however, it is just that, clothing.
Beloved, there is no such thing as salvation by association. Each of us must develop our own relationship with the Lord and cultivate it as no other. Showing up at worship on Sunday, dropping large sums of money in the collection, quoting scripture and the like, are all useless and fruitless displays without the inner love, obedience and truth of Christ. Jesus himself said, "Not everyone that says unto me 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" Matt 7:21.
This may appear to be a judgment of others. In fact it is a call for each to judge self. The word surely does. The Lord surely shall. Let us all endeavor to be what we have been called to be: true children of God.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
It seems that more and more these people are concerned with appearances. Perhaps it is human nature to wear a mask and protect that which is behind it with all of one's might. Sadly, we are not nearly as consumed with having the inner man and woman and the outer man and woman be reflections of one another or better, of Jesus. Sometimes the masks we wear are made up of the religion in which we clothe ourselves. Far too often however, it is just that, clothing.
Beloved, there is no such thing as salvation by association. Each of us must develop our own relationship with the Lord and cultivate it as no other. Showing up at worship on Sunday, dropping large sums of money in the collection, quoting scripture and the like, are all useless and fruitless displays without the inner love, obedience and truth of Christ. Jesus himself said, "Not everyone that says unto me 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" Matt 7:21.
This may appear to be a judgment of others. In fact it is a call for each to judge self. The word surely does. The Lord surely shall. Let us all endeavor to be what we have been called to be: true children of God.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Monday, November 7, 2011
You Did It To Me-11/7/2011
"The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’" Matt 25:40
Judgment for some will be a great day. Jesus here relates a scene from the throne at which is said, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world" Matt 25:34. He then proceeds to relate to them all of the things that they had done that contributed to their favorable judgment. Those things outlined each involved caring for others.
Beloved, we should never think that we can earn salvation, however, Phil 2:12-13 instructs us to "work out" our salvation, stating that it is God who works in us to fulfill his purpose. In essence, we have work to do because we are saved by grace through faith rather than working to become saved. Among other things, that work involves being God's representatives on earth. When we visit the sick in the hospital, God is there with us and in us to minister to those in need. The same is true if we buy a bag of groceries for someone who is hungry or babysit for a couple who has no other support system but could use some alone time. There are countless ways to serve others. The Lord has said that when we do so for others, we are doing so for him. For this, there are rewards.
Additionally, we must understand that while today we have the power to provide God's presence to others, there may very well be a time of need when He shows up at our bedside in the presence of a brother or a sister. Let us all continually do our part to carry out His will.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Judgment for some will be a great day. Jesus here relates a scene from the throne at which is said, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world" Matt 25:34. He then proceeds to relate to them all of the things that they had done that contributed to their favorable judgment. Those things outlined each involved caring for others.
Beloved, we should never think that we can earn salvation, however, Phil 2:12-13 instructs us to "work out" our salvation, stating that it is God who works in us to fulfill his purpose. In essence, we have work to do because we are saved by grace through faith rather than working to become saved. Among other things, that work involves being God's representatives on earth. When we visit the sick in the hospital, God is there with us and in us to minister to those in need. The same is true if we buy a bag of groceries for someone who is hungry or babysit for a couple who has no other support system but could use some alone time. There are countless ways to serve others. The Lord has said that when we do so for others, we are doing so for him. For this, there are rewards.
Additionally, we must understand that while today we have the power to provide God's presence to others, there may very well be a time of need when He shows up at our bedside in the presence of a brother or a sister. Let us all continually do our part to carry out His will.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
God Lives In You-8/31/2011
"Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" 1 Cor 3:16
Beloved, please take a moment and re-read the scripture above. Then take a moment to close your eyes visualize yourself as God's temple. Take one more moment and consider what it means to you personally.
God has revealed a number of dwelling places among men throughout biblical history. We all know Him to reside in heaven. To be sure, He is still there, however we also know our God to be omnipresent; He is everywhere at the same time which allows Him to be within each and every one of us. In the past He has manifested himself in a pillar of fire and a cloud. His presence appeared on Mt. Sinai and He spoke to the people. He had Moses and the children of Israel construct a tabernacle wherein His presence occupied the mercy seat of the Ark resting within the "most holy place." Finally, His presence filled a similar place within the temple constructed by Solomon.
Now the bible tells us that we are that temple. God has moved from a common gathering place to an individual and intimate residence within each of us who have accepted Him through Christ. Imagine you personally being the dwelling place of God. Can you not quite get your mind around it? Then take it back one step and imagine God living in your house. What would your house look like? How clean would it be? What would you allow to go on in the house? Who would you welcome inside? What types of entertainment would you enjoy? What type of language would you use? What types of beverages would you drink and how much? What types of conversation would you have with others in the house or on the phone? Would you introduce your family and friends to Him? How much time would you spend with Him? Is there any place you would not invite Him to go?
To be sure, these are sobering questions but they are those that need to be considered by each of us. God does not live in the houses we live in, He lives in the houses that we are. Think on these things.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Beloved, please take a moment and re-read the scripture above. Then take a moment to close your eyes visualize yourself as God's temple. Take one more moment and consider what it means to you personally.
God has revealed a number of dwelling places among men throughout biblical history. We all know Him to reside in heaven. To be sure, He is still there, however we also know our God to be omnipresent; He is everywhere at the same time which allows Him to be within each and every one of us. In the past He has manifested himself in a pillar of fire and a cloud. His presence appeared on Mt. Sinai and He spoke to the people. He had Moses and the children of Israel construct a tabernacle wherein His presence occupied the mercy seat of the Ark resting within the "most holy place." Finally, His presence filled a similar place within the temple constructed by Solomon.
Now the bible tells us that we are that temple. God has moved from a common gathering place to an individual and intimate residence within each of us who have accepted Him through Christ. Imagine you personally being the dwelling place of God. Can you not quite get your mind around it? Then take it back one step and imagine God living in your house. What would your house look like? How clean would it be? What would you allow to go on in the house? Who would you welcome inside? What types of entertainment would you enjoy? What type of language would you use? What types of beverages would you drink and how much? What types of conversation would you have with others in the house or on the phone? Would you introduce your family and friends to Him? How much time would you spend with Him? Is there any place you would not invite Him to go?
To be sure, these are sobering questions but they are those that need to be considered by each of us. God does not live in the houses we live in, He lives in the houses that we are. Think on these things.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Pursuing God-8/18/2011
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8
There is none among us who do not desire things. The things we desire are many and varied as are the ways we go about obtaining them. If we want better health, we curtail or drop unhealthy habits and see medical professionals regularly to guide us along the way. If we want better looking bodies, we push back from the table and pursue the gym. If we want greater knowledge, we pursue the books and other educational outlets.
The desire of every Christian is to gain heaven. The only way to accomplish this is to pursue a closer relationship with God. Much as desiring to drop a few pounds is useless without making the necessary sacrifices to accomplish it, desiring heaven and a closer walk with the Lord is an exercise in futility if we are not willing to expend effort. Let it quickly and firmly be said that heaven cannot be earned or deserved by works, but is the free gift of God through His grace and your faith, Eph 2:8-9. Like any relationship (and the obtaining of its benefits), it must be cultivated.
Beloved, our great Father has set the table for us. We have been invited to begin, develop and enjoy a rewarding and eternal relationship with Him. In that we were made beings with choice and free will, we must choose Him. Though He has given us every reason and ability to make that positive choice, He does not make it for us. Even the angels who He created far different from us have choice as evidenced by some chosing Satan. Many of God's beloved children have also made that same tragic choice.
You are invited to choose God. And while our intuition tells us that this is a one time message for non-believers, we are challenged to continually choose God in everything we do. Jesus advises us to take up our cross DAILY and follow him. It is only through this relentless pursuit that we will develop a close, warm, personal relationship with God. It is only when we exceed the rudiments of "going to church" that we begin to understand who God is, who we are in Him and the many benefits of a relationship with Him. If we would turn and seek after Him, we will find that He is ready, willing and desirous to welcome us and has Himself come far more than halfway. Like the father of the prodigal son, He is seeking us. When He sees us on our journey toward home, He will run out to meet us, closing the distance.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
There is none among us who do not desire things. The things we desire are many and varied as are the ways we go about obtaining them. If we want better health, we curtail or drop unhealthy habits and see medical professionals regularly to guide us along the way. If we want better looking bodies, we push back from the table and pursue the gym. If we want greater knowledge, we pursue the books and other educational outlets.
The desire of every Christian is to gain heaven. The only way to accomplish this is to pursue a closer relationship with God. Much as desiring to drop a few pounds is useless without making the necessary sacrifices to accomplish it, desiring heaven and a closer walk with the Lord is an exercise in futility if we are not willing to expend effort. Let it quickly and firmly be said that heaven cannot be earned or deserved by works, but is the free gift of God through His grace and your faith, Eph 2:8-9. Like any relationship (and the obtaining of its benefits), it must be cultivated.
Beloved, our great Father has set the table for us. We have been invited to begin, develop and enjoy a rewarding and eternal relationship with Him. In that we were made beings with choice and free will, we must choose Him. Though He has given us every reason and ability to make that positive choice, He does not make it for us. Even the angels who He created far different from us have choice as evidenced by some chosing Satan. Many of God's beloved children have also made that same tragic choice.
You are invited to choose God. And while our intuition tells us that this is a one time message for non-believers, we are challenged to continually choose God in everything we do. Jesus advises us to take up our cross DAILY and follow him. It is only through this relentless pursuit that we will develop a close, warm, personal relationship with God. It is only when we exceed the rudiments of "going to church" that we begin to understand who God is, who we are in Him and the many benefits of a relationship with Him. If we would turn and seek after Him, we will find that He is ready, willing and desirous to welcome us and has Himself come far more than halfway. Like the father of the prodigal son, He is seeking us. When He sees us on our journey toward home, He will run out to meet us, closing the distance.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
A Pause for the Cause-7/20/2011
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Prov 15:1
It is not reasonable to expect that we can go through life without running afoul of others. Whether it be our fault or theirs, it is not unusual that the temptation to exchange harsh words with another happens from time to time. Wouldn't it be great if we all had a pause button to stop any given situation in time, in order to think about our next word? In the heat of the moment we may strongly desire to engage in verbal battles that will let another person know exactly with whom they are messing. Inflamed passions cause our defenses (and offenses) to fly to the forefront of our minds and tongues. But what about the pause button?
Taking time to consider the ramifications of our next statements can go a long way in helping us determine the best course of action. We can ask ourselves, "Am I wrong? Is this my fault? Does the person have a point?" If we are the aggrieved, we can likewise consider, "Can a lesson be learned or taught here? Is this an opportunity to establish or enhance a relationship? Is this an opportunity to win a soul? How can I please God with my response?"
Beloved, we are called upon to be people of a gentle nature, loving our neighbors as ourselves. We are representatives and children of the Almighty. The whole of the faith is judged by what can be seen in us. To be sure, it can be a heavy burden but it is made light by the Lord. As long as we conduct ourselves according to His purpose, we know that all things will work together for good. This knowledge should help us engage the pause, circumspectly consider the entire situation, think beyond ourselves and the moment and respond in a godly manner. A gentle treatment has the power to diffuse the most difficult of situations.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
It is not reasonable to expect that we can go through life without running afoul of others. Whether it be our fault or theirs, it is not unusual that the temptation to exchange harsh words with another happens from time to time. Wouldn't it be great if we all had a pause button to stop any given situation in time, in order to think about our next word? In the heat of the moment we may strongly desire to engage in verbal battles that will let another person know exactly with whom they are messing. Inflamed passions cause our defenses (and offenses) to fly to the forefront of our minds and tongues. But what about the pause button?
Taking time to consider the ramifications of our next statements can go a long way in helping us determine the best course of action. We can ask ourselves, "Am I wrong? Is this my fault? Does the person have a point?" If we are the aggrieved, we can likewise consider, "Can a lesson be learned or taught here? Is this an opportunity to establish or enhance a relationship? Is this an opportunity to win a soul? How can I please God with my response?"
Beloved, we are called upon to be people of a gentle nature, loving our neighbors as ourselves. We are representatives and children of the Almighty. The whole of the faith is judged by what can be seen in us. To be sure, it can be a heavy burden but it is made light by the Lord. As long as we conduct ourselves according to His purpose, we know that all things will work together for good. This knowledge should help us engage the pause, circumspectly consider the entire situation, think beyond ourselves and the moment and respond in a godly manner. A gentle treatment has the power to diffuse the most difficult of situations.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Always 6/2/2011
"I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matt 28:20
It seems that people are constantly moving in and out of our lives. It has also been said that people enter our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Even this, however, does not speak to the quality of those relationships. We all know what it is like to experience the highest highs and lowest lows as a result of having interacted with the people who have touched our lives.
What we often lack in our relationships is stability and consistency. Think about it. Relationships designed to be permanent, like marriage, are deteriorating at a rate of fifty percent these days. Our children who we nurture from before birth eventually develop relationships of their own, leave home and even move away. Similarly, ask yourself if you have any former best friends.
Beloved, the one relationship that we can count on for quantity and quality is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus. He has said that he will never leave, nor forsake us, Heb 13:5. He has said that we are his friends, John 15:15. He has said that where he is, we will also be, John 14:3. He has laid down his life for us, John 15:13.
If you are ever feeling alone and are of a mind that no one cares or understands, know that Jesus does. Our relationship with him is one on which we can absolutely count.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
It seems that people are constantly moving in and out of our lives. It has also been said that people enter our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Even this, however, does not speak to the quality of those relationships. We all know what it is like to experience the highest highs and lowest lows as a result of having interacted with the people who have touched our lives.
What we often lack in our relationships is stability and consistency. Think about it. Relationships designed to be permanent, like marriage, are deteriorating at a rate of fifty percent these days. Our children who we nurture from before birth eventually develop relationships of their own, leave home and even move away. Similarly, ask yourself if you have any former best friends.
Beloved, the one relationship that we can count on for quantity and quality is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus. He has said that he will never leave, nor forsake us, Heb 13:5. He has said that we are his friends, John 15:15. He has said that where he is, we will also be, John 14:3. He has laid down his life for us, John 15:13.
If you are ever feeling alone and are of a mind that no one cares or understands, know that Jesus does. Our relationship with him is one on which we can absolutely count.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Just Let it Go-DD 2/9/2011
"A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression." Prov 19:11
We all know what it is like to be on the south side of a north bound relationship. Discrepancies, disagreements and disputes arise among our friendships and family relationships with what can be an annoying regularity. The effects can be anything from character building to relationship destroying.
In situations like these, it is easy to place blame on the other party. We can even draw comfort and confidence in feeling that we are right. The problem is that the relationship suffers. There is a real danger in losing something that is more valuable than we are willing to acknowledge at the moment.
Beloved, Paul once asked, "why not be wronged?" Sometimes it can serve both the greater good and the individuals involved to allow things to dissipate. Yes introspection is important. Apologies should be given and or received. Above all, forgiveness should be extended. But there are some cases when we just need to let it go. Ultimately, it is ourselves that we damage by holding grudges, retaining anger and plotting responses. Let us pursue peace with our friends, family and brethren. Let us pursue peace with God.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
We all know what it is like to be on the south side of a north bound relationship. Discrepancies, disagreements and disputes arise among our friendships and family relationships with what can be an annoying regularity. The effects can be anything from character building to relationship destroying.
In situations like these, it is easy to place blame on the other party. We can even draw comfort and confidence in feeling that we are right. The problem is that the relationship suffers. There is a real danger in losing something that is more valuable than we are willing to acknowledge at the moment.
Beloved, Paul once asked, "why not be wronged?" Sometimes it can serve both the greater good and the individuals involved to allow things to dissipate. Yes introspection is important. Apologies should be given and or received. Above all, forgiveness should be extended. But there are some cases when we just need to let it go. Ultimately, it is ourselves that we damage by holding grudges, retaining anger and plotting responses. Let us pursue peace with our friends, family and brethren. Let us pursue peace with God.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The Ultimate Friend-DD 2/8/2011
"Then Job answered, "I have heard many such things; Sorry comforters are you all. Is there no limit to windy words? Or what plagues you that you answer?" Job 16:1-3
There is not a life that is not touched by pain, inconvenience, difficulty and angst. These can be either remedied or exacerbated depending on what we do in these situations. More specifically, where we seek help can influence the outcome.
Job had several friends that came to comfort him in the time of his greatest despair. In the beginning, they sat in silence and mourned with him. After a while, they began to offer a number of opinions that were, to say the least, not helpful.
Beloved, we must be careful who we trust with our hurts. If our friends and brethren are close, we should know enough about them to know their particular strengths, weaknesses and role in our lives. Not everyone is good at everything. Jesus, among his thousands of followers, selected 12 to be close and 3 to be closest. Even the 3 fell asleep at a critical moment. Make no mistake, we need each other. Our friends can be an amazing comfort and we need to be able to call and rely upon our close inner circle. More than that, however, we need to realize that it is God that will get us through our most challenging times. Job knew that. God does that.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
There is not a life that is not touched by pain, inconvenience, difficulty and angst. These can be either remedied or exacerbated depending on what we do in these situations. More specifically, where we seek help can influence the outcome.
Job had several friends that came to comfort him in the time of his greatest despair. In the beginning, they sat in silence and mourned with him. After a while, they began to offer a number of opinions that were, to say the least, not helpful.
Beloved, we must be careful who we trust with our hurts. If our friends and brethren are close, we should know enough about them to know their particular strengths, weaknesses and role in our lives. Not everyone is good at everything. Jesus, among his thousands of followers, selected 12 to be close and 3 to be closest. Even the 3 fell asleep at a critical moment. Make no mistake, we need each other. Our friends can be an amazing comfort and we need to be able to call and rely upon our close inner circle. More than that, however, we need to realize that it is God that will get us through our most challenging times. Job knew that. God does that.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Monday, February 7, 2011
Love Means Saying You're Sorry-DD 4/7/2011
"Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering." Matt 5:23-24
In the 1971 movie "Love Story," Jennifer Cavilleri, a character played by Ali McGraw uttered the phrase, "Love means not ever having to say you're sorry." Since that time, it has become a part of our social consciousness. This is unfortunate. It highlights our lack of willingness to take responsibility for our actions. In short, we fail to realize the importance of a simple apology.
Beloved, we sometimes have a tendency to sweep things under the rug. We think that if we just say nothing, it will all somehow go away. This is furthered if the affected party says nothing. Know that God is not pleased with this behavior. We are expected to take responsibility for our actions and own up to our wrongs. Even in our relationship with the Almighty, confession comes before repentance and that before forgiveness.
Failure to apologize adds insult to injury and prolongs the strain on the relationship. Both parties and potentially all who know them suffer. With the consistent scriptural call to love others as ourselves, we cannot expect that God will allow our relationship with Him to have the status of "business as usual." In order to be right with Him, we must be right with each other.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
In the 1971 movie "Love Story," Jennifer Cavilleri, a character played by Ali McGraw uttered the phrase, "Love means not ever having to say you're sorry." Since that time, it has become a part of our social consciousness. This is unfortunate. It highlights our lack of willingness to take responsibility for our actions. In short, we fail to realize the importance of a simple apology.
Beloved, we sometimes have a tendency to sweep things under the rug. We think that if we just say nothing, it will all somehow go away. This is furthered if the affected party says nothing. Know that God is not pleased with this behavior. We are expected to take responsibility for our actions and own up to our wrongs. Even in our relationship with the Almighty, confession comes before repentance and that before forgiveness.
Failure to apologize adds insult to injury and prolongs the strain on the relationship. Both parties and potentially all who know them suffer. With the consistent scriptural call to love others as ourselves, we cannot expect that God will allow our relationship with Him to have the status of "business as usual." In order to be right with Him, we must be right with each other.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
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