1 Peter 4:7-9
New International Version (NIV)
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
I've had the most incredible experience in God! Didn't know it was coming, but boy am I glad! I was in bondage to something and had no idea! I'm not sure where it's leading me, but since the Holy Spirit instigated it, I guess it's okay for me not to be in charge!
Over the past year, there have been some issues that the Lord allowed in my life. Issues that don't make or break the Kingdom of Heaven, but issues none the less. I was challenged on my mode of dress, challenged on my mode of worship, challenged on my version of the Bible. These weren't bad challenges, just challenges none the less. At times, I was a bit prideful in my responses to my inner circle and they even rallied with me. But in me, I knew there was more to be gleaned. I knew that the Lord had allowed this for more than mere self justification. There was more.....
There have always been questions in my thinking, they do _____________, but I don't! Does that make me better? More spiritual? (often I thought so.....)
Then lightening struck! My friend and I were discussing this and she said: "You know we don't have any conviction about doing certain things at all. We feel free to do them. Perhaps people who do _____________ don't have any convictions there either!"
Wow! That would mean that the same Holy Spirit that convicts me and frees me, does the same for others! I know these "others" and I know they love the Lord Jesus! I know they are brothers and sisters in Christ. Therefore, this frees me to love and walk with them, trusting our Father will speak on the issues that He deems important for them. He will take care of His children without any help or preaching from me! Wow! That means I'm free to hear from Him about my stuff and just love everyone else in the meantime!
That frees me from judging others, it frees me from pride (my way is better), it frees me to completely love. In the days and times we are in, I think we all need a little more love! God is so good. I'm so thankful. This also frees me to see the entire Body of Christ as a unit rather than opposing entities!
It does seem that this revelation is going to seep into every area of my life. Some not so comfortable, but I bet that's more of the Holy Spirits doing! God is so good, to mold us and shape us into His image. I'm glad, He loves us enough to not give up!
I chose this picture of the butterflies morphing, because it shows me that we all are experiencing different stages of growth. Those of us that are children of God will, come to that place of worshiping at the Throne of Grace. We will all be there, we just get there at different times! We won't be looking around to see who is looking at how spiritual we are or how much we suffer or anything other than worshiping the One who is worthy of our all in all!
Keep on loving friends, we all need it!
Hilltop Blessings,
Sheri
I've had the most incredible experience in God! Didn't know it was coming, but boy am I glad! I was in bondage to something and had no idea! I'm not sure where it's leading me, but since the Holy Spirit instigated it, I guess it's okay for me not to be in charge!
Over the past year, there have been some issues that the Lord allowed in my life. Issues that don't make or break the Kingdom of Heaven, but issues none the less. I was challenged on my mode of dress, challenged on my mode of worship, challenged on my version of the Bible. These weren't bad challenges, just challenges none the less. At times, I was a bit prideful in my responses to my inner circle and they even rallied with me. But in me, I knew there was more to be gleaned. I knew that the Lord had allowed this for more than mere self justification. There was more.....
There have always been questions in my thinking, they do _____________, but I don't! Does that make me better? More spiritual? (often I thought so.....)
Then lightening struck! My friend and I were discussing this and she said: "You know we don't have any conviction about doing certain things at all. We feel free to do them. Perhaps people who do _____________ don't have any convictions there either!"
Wow! That would mean that the same Holy Spirit that convicts me and frees me, does the same for others! I know these "others" and I know they love the Lord Jesus! I know they are brothers and sisters in Christ. Therefore, this frees me to love and walk with them, trusting our Father will speak on the issues that He deems important for them. He will take care of His children without any help or preaching from me! Wow! That means I'm free to hear from Him about my stuff and just love everyone else in the meantime!
That frees me from judging others, it frees me from pride (my way is better), it frees me to completely love. In the days and times we are in, I think we all need a little more love! God is so good. I'm so thankful. This also frees me to see the entire Body of Christ as a unit rather than opposing entities!
It does seem that this revelation is going to seep into every area of my life. Some not so comfortable, but I bet that's more of the Holy Spirits doing! God is so good, to mold us and shape us into His image. I'm glad, He loves us enough to not give up!
I chose this picture of the butterflies morphing, because it shows me that we all are experiencing different stages of growth. Those of us that are children of God will, come to that place of worshiping at the Throne of Grace. We will all be there, we just get there at different times! We won't be looking around to see who is looking at how spiritual we are or how much we suffer or anything other than worshiping the One who is worthy of our all in all!
Keep on loving friends, we all need it!
Hilltop Blessings,
Sheri
Great points. We won't be comparing notes once we get there, so why are we doing it now? I'm always telling my kids to worry more about themselves and their own behavior than that of their siblings. Good advice for me to remember as well. Hugs!!
ReplyDeleteGood post! You have a wonderful way of putting things.
ReplyDelete