Sometimes I feel like a lousy Christian; by proof of my actions, I must enjoy wrestling with God. It's just one of the reasons I KNOW I'm a Jesus Freak.
A wise friend shared a thought I continue to revisit and contemplate its significance, depth, truth and consequence:
People withhold from others
the very thing they need themselves.
the very thing they need themselves.
It has been a revolutionary thought, and ten words have given me the ability to ~
- love the unlovely
- overlook personal injustice
- seek those in the margins
- forgive without expectation
Think about the statement and please tell me how it hits you..:)
A very wise friend, indeed! I wholeheartedly agree. It reminds me of something my mother tells me often – “By not submitting to God’s will, you are missing out on a blessing.”
I think we need to laminate these sayings and hang them up all over our houses, in our cars, tape them to our cell phones…you get the picture 😉
This one is kinda glued front and center. I LOVE it when something so
simple strikes me as so profound!
Experience is a great teacher, as is a wise friend. And your friend is wise indeed!
God has majorly worked on me these past few years in regard to “seek those in the margins.” Five years ago I was a white, middle-class woman who lived life in the mainstream, with little awareness of racial issues or the special needs community. And now… now I am the mother of a child who 1) was adopted 2) is Asian-American and 3) lives with a special need. Suffice it to say that I am MUCH more aware of those in the margins, although I’m sure I still have far to go.
I’m still working through this idea. What do I withhold? Compassion? Mercy? Kindness?
Sometimes I find myself trying SO HARD, when I need to be submitting…holding my fists so tightly together to maintain, when I need to be opening my hands, palms up, to bless. Jesus calls me to love. That’s it. And all the rest follows.
I’m so glad I have a faith and a loving Lord that constantly challenges and encourages growth. I’m glad we’re never “done”.
Yes Robin, I believe this hits right home, and I work on it daily, in small and big ways. Thanks for putting into those ten words. Off to wear it on my forehead (don’t scriptures say something about that?).
Thank you!
I guess I’m just at a place where I don’t want to think about that quote. It DOES hit home and hits hard.
I had the same experience last week – a simple quote struck me as profound:
“Tragedy: Succeeding in the things that don’t matter in life.”
Interesting, huh?
Heh, I can relate to that comment about “must enjoy wrestling with God”.
Awesome quote, which I’ve also heard it been said – and I think this is similar…those who protect others are those who need protecting the most (which of course comes from my husband’s job).
Gives one a lot to think about on rainy days such as these. Thanks Robin!
What a story…what a turn-around! How wonderful that you were open to
being a vessel of God’s choosing, then be able to see how He’s working in
and through you. Now, THIS is living what you profess!! 🙂
I’m with you on that whole “work in progress” thing; I used to believe that
salvation was only a means to an end. Now, I’m convinced it’s about the
process of becoming more like Christ and living out Kingdom work here and
now! Not just waiting for heaven on the other side of this life. It’s
blessing when you’re able to have the perspective that difficult or trying
circumstance can ultimately be for your (my) good, ya know?
THAT would definitely make for an interesting, conversation-provoking
tattoo!! 🙂 (BTW, these words are STILL floating around my head, but
mostly, my heart.)
I’ll wager you’re gonna be thinkin’ about it whether or not you want to now.
I’m sorry, and yet I’m not :). (Hope that makes sense!)
I love that quote. Love it. LOVE! IT!! Heck, I might even blog it!! It
has so many potential meanings, ya know? I’d love to know the context
surrounding that quote….
When you begin to see people–in all their bravado or arrogance or
superficiality or even mean-spiritedness–as people in need with hurts and
fears of their own, it makes it so much easier to LOVE them! Not out of
affection, not even out of obligation, but because you see them as God sees
them…as His children. Changes everything (at least for me) :).
I’ll get back to you w/ a reference – I’d like to read the rest, too!
My friend heard the quote on our local Christian radio station. Oh, well. So much for hearing it in context 🙁