“Frequently the enemy entices Christians to harbor an unforgiving spirit – a very common symptom indeed among God’s children. Such bitterness and fault-finding and enmity inflict a severe blow upon spiritual life.” ~ Watchman Nee
Let’s face it; sometimes people are hard to love, and boulders of offensecan “snowball” inside us, until hurt from others hinders us from the fullness of missional living, Christ intended.
And don’t we all want weightless lives, filled with the joy and rewards of truly passionate missional living, sold out, willingly, and obediently surrendered to Him?
So, let’s talk about letting go. Softening our hearts is a two part process. First, it must involve us. Second, it requires the grace of God working through us.
God tells us more than once that it is our job to break up the fallow ground of our hearts. (Hosea 10:12, Jer. 4:3) Soft soil requires purposeful and willing forgiveness of those who have offended us. Remember 70 x 7? (Matt 18:21-22)
Second, the healing of our hearts requires the miracle working power of God. Ezekial 36:26 reads,
“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you and heart of flesh.”
So clearly, Christ died that we might be free to love unloving people, but it is also our choice to love and keeping loving those who offend us.
So, what about when the same people continue to intentionally offend us? (To continue this article, click HERE)
Today, you can read the rest of this article and find some other amazing articles over at Missional Women.
After just flying home to Seattle, from the Missional Women Conference in Denver….I came to realize, these aren’t your average, everyday, ordinary, self-promoting, internally focused women….
Missional Women live having their minds, hearts, and hands dialed outward. They have figured it out….how to live for others, while balancing and keeping centered, their families.
Please take some time and read the rest of this article, but also dive in and take time discovering the joy found in missional living.
2 Comments
Dear Jen … Watchman Nee spoke truth with a deep richness. How convicting … for THIS generation, for HERE and NOW. Now … to obey the compelling conviction of the Spirit and take care of business in our own hearts.
Easter blessings to you, to yours …
Linda – A wonderful Easter celebrating His glorious resurrection to you too today!