The past five years or so, my inner circle has grown tight and smaller. It’s been a necessity to get through from one day to the next and it has been a huge lesson for this “no thanks, I will do it myself” gal. (Its an ego-issue, ok?! I despise asking for help. Grr).
Jesus set the model for small and tight: delegation – know who to involve.
You’re going to need some help. Jesus called 12:
“The prayer was no sooner prayed than it was answered. Jesus called twelve of his followers and sent them into the ripe fields. He gave them power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives.”
Matthew 10:1-4 MSG
He held them close. Did they come short sometimes? Probably. Peter cut a mans ear off. Mm, that was probably (!) not taught by Jesus.
It’s useful to analyze the gist of people’s character. Huh?
So why IS he such a jerk?
Judgement happens (we are human, after all), it’s part of discernment.
There’s so much to be said about simply flowing and working-in with someone’s predictability. Jesus set that model.
Accept them.
Forgive them.
Just tolerate them.
Or, walk away and set the power of forgiveness over them if necessary.
But don’t waste time trying to change them.
I’ve had to fight for my joy. It’s a process.
I’ve also loved and laughed and created my way to it by the model my Savior set.
It would be fair to say there is some heavy trippin’ in the process of dealing with a trampled, used, and abused, shattered heart.
Attacked? Go to Jesus.
Grief? Take it to the Healer.
What if’s? Listen to wise, Christian counsel.
You are the apple of His eye, and like his 12, He has also given you power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives.
Wake up.
Care tenderly.
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