Live Free For Jesus
WELCOME TO MY BLOG (PREVIOUSLY Called To Be Free) WHICH IS ONE OF A FEW CHRISTIAN BLOGS I RUN. THERE ARE 60+ POSTS HERE. MANY OF YOU HAVE BEEN REGULAR READERS (2-3k Views Monthly) AND THE BLOG CAME TO A HALT BECAUSE THE WEBHOSTING COMPANY HAD PLANS TO CHANGE SITE BUILDERS. SO NOW WE ARE BACK ON TRACK WITH LIVE FREE FOR JESUS (PREVIOUSLY Called To Be Free) I have a different website with that name now HERE
INVITE THE LORD TO SPEAK TO YOU AS YOU READ.
Janet's Blog
Janet's Blog
Blog
Handling Offenses
| Posted on 4 August, 2014 at 5:44 |
comments (8)
|
This
is a necessary topic to address for many of us in this day and age.
Times are stressful_ not everyone thinks before they speak or act.
And sometimes inappropriate behavior from a Christian/Christians
can really be upsetting because they are the ones that you expect
kindness, encouragement and acceptance from. Scripture says to be
kind and loving to each other, to encourage each other often and to
receive each other as Christ receives us. Yet the unrefined manner of
some Christians often leaves us unsettled and sometimes perplexed. Should'nt
those of us who have heard the scriptures many times be reflecting
some of them in our behavior? In fact, some Christians display what I
call 'hit and run' behavior_ they say or do something outright
offensive, then fail to apologize.....they can even make it difficult
for you to contact them for your peace of mind.....and you can guess_
they will even be found breaking bread in a service that Sunday. Even
week after week, without any repentance or accountability. Believe me
when I say that even some pastors are guilty of this. I
would rather make Jesus my Covering anytime than a fallible man who
is subject to the gravity of sin. My brother and sister in Christ, He
is our One true example of a godly nature in every mention recorded
of Him in Scripture; He is the One who never offends; He is the One
who will always lift you up and show you such acceptance – you feel
good every time you're in His presence. Should
we not take after His example and love each other like He loves
us.....or at least remember that person is precious to Him that we
perhaps thoughtlessly offended? Yes, we should really take more care
how we treat one another because many are hurting AND The Lord is
watching. Do we think that He won't take notice OR that we can simply
say “I am sorry about that” to Him and go on with our day or
week, not having made any attempt to make things right with that
person? No,
we're very much mistaken if we take such things for granted. Rest
assure that The Lord will call us to account – in fact our prayers
will be hindered, this does not only apply to husband and wife for we
have a godly bond in Christ. So we must all
remember that God's River flows through the Law of Love. I decided to
write this article when I became aware that a dear Christian friend
has yet again encountered another offense this week. My
best weapon for this in the last year has been to pray for God
to bless the offenders. I did not understand the sense of that
once.....but practiced as an act of will, it sure keeps you free! As
the saying goes “do not allow them to live in you rent free.”
That's taking up space that the Blessing of God could be filling. You
will be the bigger person for not letting them get the better of you. I
once asked God how He deals with offenses because He has had the
most. His instant reply was “He cancelled our misdeeds and
considered them no more” - I did not realize He says this in His
Word – that's hard for some of us but it is effective. I shared it
a few months later with a girl who had a very big problem and she
felt gloriously free the next day after applying it overnight. Another
way I deal with such things is to think of something good about the
person. We can always magnify God above the situation too. And
believe me, I have put these into practice through the years. Don't
wait to feel “nice” about them to know you have forgiven (that
may not always be so for everyone) but just be willing to let go of
the offense_ this makes Jesus happy, it's not always possible to
forget. Maybe you would like to share what helps you? To
keep my Blog inviting and pleasant, I ask that you refrain from
responses that make for heavy reading and make your comments general
or helpful in some way. It's best not to air our laundry in Blogs,
but many websites permit it. This is not one of those. I appreciate
how some of you feel and I would like to direct you to the Wellspring
of Life page of this website and also the Quality Friendships page of
my Janet and Jesus website that has Poems on other pages to comfort
you. I wish you well. |