In response to the last post I have realized there is a major flaw in my worldview;
DONT JUST LOVE PEOPLE TO GET LOVE BACK!
Over the past few weeks my roommate has been making a series of choices that I considered irresponsible. I felt I should call him out as a brother in Christ on some of his choices yet I never got up the courage. I felt afraid of how he would react and view me since we have already been at odds due to separate churches, social lives, and priorities. Instead of building my brother up, I choose not to care.
My sin of judgment grew until I no longer wanted to spend time with him because I felt his life was not a representation of Christianity. This pride of my self-image stopped me from loving him as a brother and made my heart harden towards him even in times when he needed me most.
Last week, after expressing this to a close friend, I realized I needed to apologize to Brian and rebuild the relationship that was lost. In the last few days I have seen such a change in our home that I brings joy to my heart knowing God is willing to forgive everyone! Even those who have a hard time loving others.
Takeaway: Loving people is not easy. It might mean giving up your own comfort for the sake of others. Don't think you will always get your way... Long term happiness comes from giving more then you receive.
Wow, Jordan, this is such an awesome testimony to the love of Christ in our hearts. Forgiveness, redemption, peace with God, it is all summarized in what you experienced. Praise God that He is moving in your heart and bringing you close to your brother in the Lord.
ReplyDeleteI'm so thankful that you made the choice to love.
Love Mom
Praise God you had the courage and humility to see what was going on in your own heart. It's so easy to see the speck in our brother's eyes, yet not be conscious of the log growing in our own. It's always best to speak the truth in love, being as careful as possible that your words not offend any heart. It helps to be mindful of how patient God is with our many failures to selflessly care.
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