2 Corinthians 5:17-21Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Are you "comfortable" enough to ask for help?
Last week I decided to spruce up my hair. I am 49 years old and some of that grey is showing. I have nothing against grey...but wanted a little "pick me up". So I proceed to the bathroom where I will begin my makeover. Well, most of you know that arthritis has ravaged my hands and I just don't always have the strength needed to do simple tasks. Therefore, I invoked my wonderful husband's assistance to help me get my hair in tip top shape. As the transformation begins, I am putting this hair stuff all over the areas that need "transformation"; a little here, a little there. And then it happened.....my husband speaks up and says, " don't forget your side burns" . I almost past out! Side burns, I'm a girl, "I don't have side burns", do I? I imaged Elvis Presley sideburns...and white ones none the less. Well, we laughed and the 3 second embarrassment session was over. I guess I wasn't that embarrassed....I'm sharing it with you.
Well, just a simple "disclosure" to make a point. All kinds of healthy relationships; relationships we value; people we interact with everyday might just speak truth to us. What happens when your best friend tells you that your dress does not really flatter you? What if they forgot your birthday? Maybe you were hoping for an acknowledgement that never happened. Relationships are multi faceted and very intricate. They encourage us, like the Word of God says, Iron sharpening Iron As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.Proverbs 27:17.
And, then there are times that relationships cause some pain whether intended or not. What if your friend hurts you; do you just forget about it and allow bitterness to take root? Did they mean to hurt you, did you misunderstand? Either way....let's settle the matter quickly, after all these relationships are precious. They are gifts from God. Yes, I said GIFTS.
Truth does not always come in a fluffy warm blanket. Sometimes truth just blurts out and says, "don't forget the sideburns".....ouch!
Jesus always spoke truth. Actually, He is Truth. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6. Jesus did not shy away from speaking truth; sometimes it hurt, but when the listener really listens, it always bring life.
Were we "uncomfortable" with who we were as he hung on the tree? Did we realize he was showing us how much he loved us? We at times can't see our our faults or our need for a Savior; no, so instead we throw insults or some type of diversion; something to get the focus away from our error, our deficiency. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads. Matthew 27:39. We don't reach out for help; too embarrassed, too prideful.
A Rescuer has come, a King; someone better than us. He came to save us, tell us some truth about us; our "state of being", but instead of listening we took offense. But to those that can humble themselves and receive this gift of eternal life; allow the Perfect One, indeed a King, to show and point out our flaws; that kind of heart God can work with.
He took all our flaws, the Bible calls them sin and took them upon himself. He welcomed the cross, bore our sin, paid out dept, all because he love us!
Sometimes it's not easy hearing the truth. But if the one who is speaking is someone you love and trust; well then I guess I better cover up the "sideburns" :)
If Jesus says, he does not like the way I spoke to someone; well then I guess I better work on that apology quickly and mean it!
We must strive to keep our relationships healthy, honest, and bring God honor. If God could humble himself and die to clean up our mess; well if God can do it.....hmmmm...I must be able to also.
This is the week to give thanks (though it's not the only time). So, go out and "touch up" any areas that need "sprucing up" in your life. Reach out to friends, co-workers and neighbors. Let the spirit of reconciliation go to work through you. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Thank God for the "gift" of relationships.
I thank God for you!
Last week I decided to spruce up my hair. I am 49 years old and some of that grey is showing. I have nothing against grey...but wanted a little "pick me up". So I proceed to the bathroom where I will begin my makeover. Well, most of you know that arthritis has ravaged my hands and I just don't always have the strength needed to do simple tasks. Therefore, I invoked my wonderful husband's assistance to help me get my hair in tip top shape. As the transformation begins, I am putting this hair stuff all over the areas that need "transformation"; a little here, a little there. And then it happened.....my husband speaks up and says, " don't forget your side burns" . I almost past out! Side burns, I'm a girl, "I don't have side burns", do I? I imaged Elvis Presley sideburns...and white ones none the less. Well, we laughed and the 3 second embarrassment session was over. I guess I wasn't that embarrassed....I'm sharing it with you.
Well, just a simple "disclosure" to make a point. All kinds of healthy relationships; relationships we value; people we interact with everyday might just speak truth to us. What happens when your best friend tells you that your dress does not really flatter you? What if they forgot your birthday? Maybe you were hoping for an acknowledgement that never happened. Relationships are multi faceted and very intricate. They encourage us, like the Word of God says, Iron sharpening Iron As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.Proverbs 27:17.
And, then there are times that relationships cause some pain whether intended or not. What if your friend hurts you; do you just forget about it and allow bitterness to take root? Did they mean to hurt you, did you misunderstand? Either way....let's settle the matter quickly, after all these relationships are precious. They are gifts from God. Yes, I said GIFTS.
Truth does not always come in a fluffy warm blanket. Sometimes truth just blurts out and says, "don't forget the sideburns".....ouch!
Jesus always spoke truth. Actually, He is Truth. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6. Jesus did not shy away from speaking truth; sometimes it hurt, but when the listener really listens, it always bring life.
Were we "uncomfortable" with who we were as he hung on the tree? Did we realize he was showing us how much he loved us? We at times can't see our our faults or our need for a Savior; no, so instead we throw insults or some type of diversion; something to get the focus away from our error, our deficiency. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads. Matthew 27:39. We don't reach out for help; too embarrassed, too prideful.
A Rescuer has come, a King; someone better than us. He came to save us, tell us some truth about us; our "state of being", but instead of listening we took offense. But to those that can humble themselves and receive this gift of eternal life; allow the Perfect One, indeed a King, to show and point out our flaws; that kind of heart God can work with.
He took all our flaws, the Bible calls them sin and took them upon himself. He welcomed the cross, bore our sin, paid out dept, all because he love us!
Sometimes it's not easy hearing the truth. But if the one who is speaking is someone you love and trust; well then I guess I better cover up the "sideburns" :)
If Jesus says, he does not like the way I spoke to someone; well then I guess I better work on that apology quickly and mean it!
We must strive to keep our relationships healthy, honest, and bring God honor. If God could humble himself and die to clean up our mess; well if God can do it.....hmmmm...I must be able to also.
This is the week to give thanks (though it's not the only time). So, go out and "touch up" any areas that need "sprucing up" in your life. Reach out to friends, co-workers and neighbors. Let the spirit of reconciliation go to work through you. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Thank God for the "gift" of relationships.
I thank God for you!
