i Forgot YOU Love Me

    On 1/7/19 I published an article about the church hurt I was experiencing. I received an out pour of individuals who were able to identify with my observations and experiences. After many tears, a lot of forgiveness, a ton of reminding that “no matter how much it hurt” the LORD has never left me. The promise to never leave me nor forsake me is as true today as it was on my darkest day. In my process of rising from the ashes I have been reminded of who I belong to. That is what my painful experience was allowed to reveal. The only reason those individuals could hurt me was because I gave them more authority than GOD in that moment. It is uncomfortable to admit , but my failure to be honest and transparent eliminates my ability to share my growth. 

     Either I believe that i am a new creature in Christ or, i do not. Like every biblical example you think of for the mistreatment of others. Like rap lyrics that proclaim only God can judge. No matter how condemned by the words of my accusers who caused the pain. The fact that I lost faith in my Heavenly Father was also a sin. Truth is we wrestle not against flesh and blood. Every human is susceptible to operating out of their emotions and flesh. We are charged with turning to our divine relationship for comfort. My new resolve is to no longer allow the behaviors of humans to color my image of GOD’s character. GOD does not stop being a good GOD because his children do not represent HIM well. 

     The next thought that comes to mind is that the complication of the church being the vehicle for Christ to spread his love also being the location of some unhealthy people. “And, I will ask the Father, and HE will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. HE is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth” (John 14:16-17) Church, gym, classroom, office, drive thru, lobby, bedroom, living room, club, alley, grocery store, any location or organization you can think of; the Truth is only heard when the Holy Spirit reveals it. Jesus wants to save people not a building. People are everywhere in various phases of their spiritual walk. We are all on a journey. We are charged to love GOD and love people. They might not love us back. That is okay, because the love of GOD is vast enough, enduring enough, strong enough to take encompass it all.