Re:Verse reading–Matthew 7:1-27 (day three) “How much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him?” (vs 11) As the Sermon on the Mount comes to a close, Jesus is speaking of the difficulties ahead. He speaks of imperfect people (do not judge), hard choices (narrow gates), religious imposters (false prophets), superficial disciples (“Lord, Lord” vs 21) and coming storms (vs 25) Our encouragement in the face of such difficulty? Prayer. Jesus knew that we will be less disappointed (and therefore less critical) if our eyes and expectations were not on people in the first place. So long as we hope people will save us, we will be angry when they don’t/can’t. When we learn to look to God for our needs, then even difficult roads and assignments become possible and joyful. “I will lift up mine eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help. My help comes from God” (Psalm 121)
This touches on a huge issue for me. I have been asking the Lord to help me in the last few months to really comprehend His Love for me and the acceptance I have from Him by Grace… through faith, yes… but BY His Grace. Everyone has their struggles and this is my major one. How do I feel accepted and loved enough by God to then be strong enough to move from that place of acceptance and love into a lost world… with my needs met… being able to truly serve Him alone even in my relationships…. not needing anything in return? I do not fully have that answer, but at least I have recognized it as the problem.
The plaque above my desk at work contains a quote from Mother Theresa:
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. FORGIVE THEM ANYWAY.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. BE KIND ANYWAY.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. BE HONEST ANYWAY.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. BE HAPPY ANYWAY.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. DO GOOD ANYWAY.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. GIVE YOUR BEST ANYWAY.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. IT NEVER WAS BETWEEN YOU AND THEM ANYWAY.
Although I am not advocating a “cold love”…. at least this is a place to start… a place, I think, that will make the “deep/one another/make them one” love that we as the Church are called to have for one another even possible.
What a wonderful quote and how true! Amen.
Amen indeed. Glad you agree. It inspired me to check out some of her other quotes. I was glad I did.