Listening to some interesting sermons about signs of a hard heart ! Some times we get hurt and frustrated by the way people treat us or what they think... another rejection by a friend or family or even a stranger. lack of connectivity, and finding ways to stay away from others , finding fault with others is one of those signs ( ie looking for things wrong, refusing to see good in things) ... Rejection is part of life and it is never easy... But if we hadn't rejected Jesus and put Him on that cross we would not have salvation. Jesus said Father forgive them for they know NOT what they do." Had we known the Character and truly understood Him it would not happen... Simply profound! When you change for the better, or others can't seem to see the good... It is Not you being rejected. For they know you not! I have often struggled and questioned things I see and asked God~ Why?
But if we KNEW we wouldn't have needed a Saviour .... God knew we needed the sacrifice of Jesus. He also gave us free will. Fighting with our flesh is hard. I have learned that much of what I might see or perceive wrong. God is showing me just to pray... Not to judge or have even an opinion about. Being quite is a hard one, walking in love even when someone chooses to believe the gossip, or is creating the gossip... The people who forget that Job was a man God said to Satan ok you can do what you want but don't kill him! It was not because of some great sin.
As long as we have free will we can choose how we act, react ect... But that doesn't change the fact that other people also have free will and can chose things that might hurt.
Walking in love and keeping a heart soft means that we need to choose to NOT take offense. It doesn't mean we allow people to walk all over us or not have boundaries. The bible also states that when you harden your heart you can no longer see or understand. Think about that one... If they can't see or understand, they can't know . They are not rejecting you... they don't know you! They don't understand and the rejection is of a myth.... a shadow. WOW how freeing! Someone that I have known for years finally came to me. Said something I thought funny and strange. Kirstie I know understand ! I SEE who you are. You really are this way all the time! The way the statement was said was like shock and realization just dawned. Don't get e wrong I am far from perfection, I am trying as hard as I can to live intentional, walk in love even when the quills are out. I will still hug, keep on loving and pray.... Waiting for God to show people How incredible HE is in my life. It isn't really personal ?! I can stand on that and the truth that God knows and sees all in my life. I am accountable to Him. And He alone is my defense. People may believe something about me or reject me for something that is a lie. But They have the ability to choose. There are many relationships in life I wish were closer, more filled with agape love... Not hurt or judgement. But nothing I say can change what they think. Only God can. So as I stated to my Mom... I am a professional porcupine hugger! People can get defensive, say the wrong thing reject me doesn't matter! I am CHOOSING Love! It is not easy... But I can do all things through Christ! Walking in hurt and anger will Not change anything. Choosing Love and Forgiveness is God's way. Reconciliation takes both sides and God for He is a God that wastes nothing. My boundaries remain so I am healthier as a person. Humility is against our very flesh desire.... But so worth it.
Living Life Through Change,
Kirstie
