Say No to Offense, Instead Forgive & Bless

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (1 Timothy 4:12 NLT)

How many times have you been judged based on your appearance? I know I have been given the ‘once over’ many times based on the way I look. I’m 38 but I look younger (or so I like to think), I have a pierced nose and many tattoos; this can cause people to give me ‘that’ look. I’m a big hearted person with my heart on my sleeve, so when I see someone snubbing me, I take it personally, instead of taking it as Jesus told us.

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1-2 NLT)

Now my husband, who gets that ‘look’ by others quite often , tells me not to worry about it and he lets it roll right off of him without a second thought.  Yet when this happens to me, I lie awake at night thinking about what was said or should have been said and letting the situation eat at me.  I’ve learned this is just another trick of the enemy.

The devil tricks us by moving our focus from God and onto an offense. That offense that we have been dwelling on, has given ourselves over to sin, and usually we don’t even realize that because we feel justified since we were ‘wronged’.  But Jesus told us, that we are to forgive someone when they sin against us, ALWAYS.

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”  “No, not seven times, “Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” (Matthew 18:21-22NLT)

Ouch!! Lesson #1: Forgive, forgive, forgive and keep forgiving!! I’ve learned that people (regardless if they are Believers or not) will make mistakes and judge others.  So when this happens to us, we don’t need to take offense, we need to forgive them! 

And now that we've forgiven them, we can start blessing them...what!?! I know forgiving them was big, but now we also need to bless them, because that's what Jesus said.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven…” (Matthew 5:43-45 NLT)

Lesson #2: Bless your enemy. Yes this is going to take some practice (and in my case, a lot of practice!) Walking the talk is more than just saying we are Believers and followers of Christ, it means putting the scripture in action. It's not an overnight transformation, the renewing of our minds (renewing of our thoughts, actions and reactions) takes time.

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2 NLT)

There is comfort in knowing that when we continue to put God’s Word in us and make an effort to practice the scripture's teachings; that over time, what once was awkward and difficult, can become effortless and natural, because with God’s help, we can do this!!

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13 NLT)

Freedom

Sometimes my heart feels such an overabundance of love and a freedom that I could never explain; that I know it can only come from GOD. He is so good to His children; His Word tells us that when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us.

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. (James 4:8 NLT)

So many times I allow myself to be pulled away by this life and to get caught up in this world. It’s that bondage that pulls us away from God, the only time we feel free from those chains is when we can turn it all over to God. He doesn’t want us burdened or beat down, He wants us free, and free from the chains we’ve built link by link - finances, relationships, and the things of this world. GOD loved us so much that He sent His Son to save us from this world and from the burdens we choose to carry.

So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. (John 8:36 NLT)

Jesus broke the chains that had held us captive; His blood was a sacrifice for us, and through Him we gained His righteousness, that we could never earn, but only by believing in Him.  

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.  God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son…” (John 3:16-18 NLT)

So bring your burdens, bring your worry, your anxiety, your fears, your pain, your hurt, your sickness to the Cross, lay them at Jesus’ feet and leave them there – never to pick them back up again.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG)

Jesus sacrifice wasn’t about religion, isn’t about rules or condemnation; it’s about love and a relationship. He doesn’t want our guilt, He wants our love and our service, and He wants us to show others the Love of His Father. When we reach out to others and show them the Love of GOD, GOD can use us to bless, comfort and encourage others that need the Father’s love; and right there is where we find our own freedom, blessings, mercy and grace.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). (John 10:10 AMP)

I heard a saying recently, it said, “Live your life that you need never tell anyone you’re a Christian, because the way you live your life says it louder than your words could ever shout!” That’s the life I want to live, a life that brings GOD all the honor and glory HE deserves, a life that is about my GOD and not just about me.

For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36 NLT)

Overflowing and Obedience

Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.  And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. (John 2:7-8 NKJV)

Jesus told us that he is the Living Water, when we are filled with Him, we can do miracles. But only when we are overflowing, do we have the ability for someone to draw out of us.

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38 NKJV)

We are spiritual beings with spiritual tanks; we have to continually fill ourselves up in order to do the work of God. Have you ever gone a long time without eating, you know that cranky, edginess that comes over you when you’re physically on empty – that’s the same as our spiritual selves. If we haven’t filled ourselves up, we can’t do the work of God. 

Each and every one of us has a purpose that God has given, that purpose requires us to be obedient. Just like the servants whom Jesus commanded to fill those 30 gallon waterpots with water; I'm sure they were wondering why in the world they were doing all this – yet they did it.  

We don’t always get to see the how or why, but we can be confident that if God has urged us to do something, that it has a purpose. Just like filling those waterpots – the purpose wasn’t known and it was a lot of work, but a miracle was able to take place because Jesus' servants listened and obeyed.