God amazes and overwhelms me. His Word is filled with truth that confounds the wise.  Some verses are so familiar that they have been quoted on souvenirs in the most unlikely places and shops.  They sound profound, but do we truly practice them?  God’s Word is not sentiment.  God’s Word is to be practiced with reverential awe and respect, demonstrating that we believe His Word to be true.  His Word can change us.

The age-old problem.

Getting along with those who hurt you or offended you.

There are four things God specifically tells you to do. When you read this, you’ll either say, “You are crazy–not doing that!” or think lofty thoughts from your couch–“Yes! Jesus, you are awesome!  I can do that!”

But, then…

It happens.  You are offended and/or hurt.

Will you obey or justify your actions and feelings?  Let’s assume we are not talking about severe abuse or being a doormat for a bully.  I’m talking about the day-to-day, year after year, struggles with relationships.

God’s Word may arouse our feelings and emotions, but the years have changed me, and the more I realize that God’s Word has nothing to do with how I feel.

Love for Enemies  Luke 6: 27-28

“But to you who are listening, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

You’ve got to just do what the verse says regardless of your feelings.

Love

Do good

Bless

Pray

What do you tell a friend who is hurt? Love, do good, bless, and pray.

God specifically states that we overcome evil WITH GOOD.

Do you want to overcome the bitterness, the insecurities you feel, or the anger?

Love, do good, bless, pray…

 

You love them with the love God has shown you.  You “do good” through kindness, seeking to understand, and following through with the nudge of the Holy Spirit to do a specific action.  You bless them by not publicly gossiping, pointing out their faults, or complaining/gossiping to others about the person and/or event.  You pray for God to heal them, work in their lives, and restore them.

The enemy will help you rehearse the offense and everything you should do and say to get even or prove your point.

Love, do good, bless, and pray…..

This verse has, at times, caused me to question my motives. Our actions must be from God and sincere.  Love is sincere, not haughty, prideful, or spiteful.  Pray for God to show you how, when, where, and why.  And, if rejection occurs, you will not be moved.  God’s Word is truth and a hedge of protection, even for our feelings of rejection.

One of my favorite friendship quotes: This quote was on my mom’s wall growing up from one of her best friends, Inez McKay, a woman who mentored me as a little girl and loved my mama so much.  She is with Jesus now. ” Hi, Inez!  Your friendship still lives on in our hearts!” The Bible shares that a cloud of witnesses surrounds us, so I know she heard that!”   🙂

“Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.” Dinah Maria Mulock Craik

We often pray for friends like this.  Friends that you feel truly safe with…

After a series of hurts and crying out to God, He moved my heart from inward to outward…

“Will YOU be that friend?”  Can I live my life in obedience to God’s Word, regardless of the actions of others?

My obedience is cultivating a friendship with God–my perfect Father and friend, not for worldly gain and comfort.

That last sentence was a HUGE REVELATION for me!  So, as I’m typing, I’m rejoicing!  It’s a MAJOR, aha! Moment. My purpose is to cultivate a friendship with God, not seek acceptance from man!  Strangely, the hurts are worth it and can be used for God’s glory.  The hurts can point you to Jesus and the importance of knowing Him and His grace and love for you.

Jesus–thank you for being my best and perfect friend.  Thank you for taking what the enemy would use to destroy us and turning it into Your glory, purpose, and amazing grace…

Teach me to love, do good, bless, and pray……

I pray you can listen to this beautiful worship song and worship with your true best friend–Jesus.