LOVE Demonstrates

Rom. 5:8  But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

How do we demonstrate our love for those who have offended us?

Most of us generally wait until the offending party repents and apologizes. Then we demonstrate our love for them.

God’s love was demonstrated long before I ever thought about being sorry, apologizing, or repenting.

How great a love is that?!?

Can we demonstrate love to those who offend us? to those who do us harm? to those who do us dirty?

HOW can we demonstrate love to those types of people in our lives?

God Said, NO!

I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.

Patience is a byproduct of tribulations;
it isn’t granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings;
Happiness is up to you..
 
I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own,
but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life,
so that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said…Ahhhh,
finally you have the idea.

Dark & Empty

Genesis 1:2  Now the earth was without shape and empty, and darkness was over the surface of the watery deep, but the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the water.

This earth (me) seems to be without shape and very empty at this time. Darkness covers the deep waters of my soul. But, I am confident that the Spirit of God is moving in my life even though circumstances appear contradictory.

How do I know that? I continue to cause pain for those I love.

I’m trying to learn to love as Jesus loved, but it eludes me.

Maybe I am becoming a threat to the kingdom of darkness. Maybe that is why I am experiencing these things. Otherwise, I would not be concerned about it one way or the other. But, such is not the case.

I am concerned. I hurt deeply when I seem to be the cause of someone’s pain. In those times I am ready (once again–as many times in the past) to throw in the towel. To call it quits. I think will never be an example of a good follower of the Lord. Therefore, I try to assume that I am becoming a threat to the devil’s domain. However, that helps not at all.

Despair.

What a dark enemy of the soul.