And so, I preach to myself…
Don’t do that, my sweet. Don’t dismiss some one else’s pain and affliction with pompous platitudes and sanctimonious scrutinies. Don’t rattle off Bible verses like an automatic machine-gun clip meant to prove your prophetic prowess and settle your spiritual superiority. Remember how that cuts.
Don’t speak of the weak with haughtiness, as if you can possibly know the attack they have just endured. Don’t dismiss the sensitive soul for feelings that are transparent. Don’t assume because you can see the tears that they are weaklings, inconsequential, insubstantial humans too fragile to be of value to kingdom warfare. Disclosing pain doesn’t reveal a flimsy, powerless soul, but a heart of flesh, not yet gone to stone.
There is nothing wrong with that. Feeling agony while suffering through a situation almost unbearable to share is not a sign of ineptitude or of being some feeble, worthless body part.
Be encouraged.
note to self, more than to anyone else…when I am tempted to roll my eyes and dismiss some one who is not as strong as I think I am… {bleh}
…how do we see the life of Jesus and act so contrary and haughty? how do we have the written words of God and still not understand that it is not by strength, nor by human power in any way that accomplishes anything at all, ever? it is by His Spirit. get off your high-horse, self. the way up is down. the first shall be last. don’t despise the weakest one just because you can…because that is where His power will be made strong…
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth. Matt. 5
Woah – such a good word. Thanks for sharing this momma<3
“..how do we see the life of Jesus” – this phrase brings new perspective. How does God look in this present painful circumstance? And that requires “living” it out, with all the groaning and tears, and painful processing – the “hanging in” until His image is stronger in us, and we have authority over that area, to walk in and pass on to others. It is real life lived out, as God intended for us to manifest Him in this very place.
Perhaps not expressed well, but what I sense is His voice of encouragement in all the dark places. Not running from them, but allowing His hand in our lives. We pray for His glory to be seen in us, but deny it is Him as it kills us. Who knew it would look and feel like this?
(voiced from personal insight into experiences of my own)
EXPRESSED SO WELL! I totally hear you and thank you for your wisdom and insight, as always. “We pray for His glory to be seen in us, but deny Him as it kills us.” Oh man! It IS His glory at work! Thanks, friend!
I forgot to add that what we perceive in another maybe this very experience with God – and rather than dismissing it and them, we can give GOOD NEWS! This is God at work and you will like the results…and I will hold your hand …and validate you in this process.
I am in awe of such grace-bearers! What a wonderful, high calling – to really speak the truth IN LOVE! Perfect! :)