Everything Under the Son
Because JESUS is my everything
I just don't get it...
Thursday, July 05, 2007
...why can't we just all be friends? I don't mean that we all have to call each other every day, but why can't we treat each other with kindness? Sometimes I feel like we have forgotten what it feels like to be on the "other side". We get so wrapped up in our own lives, our own "places" that we forget to look around us and really reach out to those who may not necessarily be in the same "place". I mean, really, why is it that we have to talk ugly about each other? Why is it that if someone doesn't look a certain way (too fat or a big nose), or if someone doesn't have the same things we have (money, nice cars, big homes, trendy clothes), then we somehow think we can't be friends. We, in fact, isolate them from our world, too embarrassed to be associated with them. Why is it that if we don't chose to be in the "right" class at church, then we automatically are written off, not able to be a friend? Why is it that if we don't send our kids to the "right" school, we aren't in the "in crowd"? I just don't get it?
What I do know is that God calls me to do better.
I am called to love the fat, skinny, and everyone in between, for "God created man in His own image, in the image of God, He created him" Genesis 1:27.
I am called to hold my tongue, and not gossip or slander, or speak ill of others, for it is written "let your conversation be always full of grace" Colossians 4:6, and "My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendors all day long" Psalm 71:8.
I am called to love, for it is written to "love your neighbor as yourself" Mark 12:33.
Lord, help me to do better. Help me to never leave someone feeling like they are standing on the outside looking in. Help me to welcome them always. Lord, help me to keep my tongue in check, always saying words that are encouraging, and never tearing down. Help me to love as you love, regardless of size, color, or social status; to simply love because of You, Lord. And help me to be an example for my children, constantly guiding them in Your ways, showing them the same love, so that they can love like You, Father! If there are some I have hurt, Lord, please bring about forgiveness. Heal my own heart, and fill in the holes caused by isolation, fear, and hurtful words. You alone call fill me, Lord. Create in me a hunger and thirst for Your Words, Lord, and help me to pass on to my children that desire to always know You more, love You more, and be like You more, every day! Thank you for Jesus, my example of one who loved all, always. Amen.
What I do know is that God calls me to do better.
I am called to love the fat, skinny, and everyone in between, for "God created man in His own image, in the image of God, He created him" Genesis 1:27.
I am called to hold my tongue, and not gossip or slander, or speak ill of others, for it is written "let your conversation be always full of grace" Colossians 4:6, and "My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendors all day long" Psalm 71:8.
I am called to love, for it is written to "love your neighbor as yourself" Mark 12:33.
Lord, help me to do better. Help me to never leave someone feeling like they are standing on the outside looking in. Help me to welcome them always. Lord, help me to keep my tongue in check, always saying words that are encouraging, and never tearing down. Help me to love as you love, regardless of size, color, or social status; to simply love because of You, Lord. And help me to be an example for my children, constantly guiding them in Your ways, showing them the same love, so that they can love like You, Father! If there are some I have hurt, Lord, please bring about forgiveness. Heal my own heart, and fill in the holes caused by isolation, fear, and hurtful words. You alone call fill me, Lord. Create in me a hunger and thirst for Your Words, Lord, and help me to pass on to my children that desire to always know You more, love You more, and be like You more, every day! Thank you for Jesus, my example of one who loved all, always. Amen.
posted by Anne, 1:41 PM
3 Comments:
I read (somewhere) that women love to compare themselves to other women. That's how we "judge" one another.
I think of that often when I see Us (us girls) doing just that.
(My comment is getting too long - sounds like I need to write a post.....
Hang in there - I believe some of that gets better with age and experience. I love you, man!
I think of that often when I see Us (us girls) doing just that.
(My comment is getting too long - sounds like I need to write a post.....
Hang in there - I believe some of that gets better with age and experience. I love you, man!
This is just a precious post!
Kim
Kim
Hey Anne,
You have touched on something that is a problem for many of us as women. I agree with Denise... This IS how we judge one another. It is pitiful and sinful. We should not focus on comparing ourselves to others, or associating only with people that we feel are just like us. Thanks for the reminder. And, just so you know...You are my friend. :)
You have touched on something that is a problem for many of us as women. I agree with Denise... This IS how we judge one another. It is pitiful and sinful. We should not focus on comparing ourselves to others, or associating only with people that we feel are just like us. Thanks for the reminder. And, just so you know...You are my friend. :)
