love them like JESUS

For as long as I can remember I have been like a moth to a flame when it comes to someone hurting.  I have always had this deep level of compassion for the brokenhearted.  Even long before I accepted JESUS as my SAVIOR whenever I saw someone in pain I felt drawn to them, and would listen to them as they told me what was wrong.  Many times in witnessing their tears I would cry my own tears..  I now know that GOD gave me the gifts of perception, wisdom, and mercy to reach the brokenhearted.  I know that I am called to love them like JESUS.

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.  It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;  it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

I can remember times in my life where people have hurt me, and I have been able to forgive them.  I know that GOD has given me the ability to forgive people and see them not for their actions, but rather whose they are.  We are all children of GOD, and we are all hurting.  We are all in need of love and compassion.  I know that JESUS calls me to love everyone just as HE loves them.   This for me is a struggle though, especially when I am repeatedly being hurt.  I struggle when I am doing everything I can to change, and ask for HIM to create in me a compassionate heart and to show me how to love them like JESUS, and they aren't doing anything on their part.  I grow weary when I am always the 1st to say I am sorry, and the one who always forgives.  I know that I won't have peace in my heart until I do forgive, therefore I obey HIS commands and forgive those who offend me, and pursue peace with all my heart.

I know that in choosing to pursue peace I must allow myself to be HOLY SPIRIT lead so that I will be filled by HIS peace, and I will have peaceful, calm emotions.  I know that I must choose peace, as JESUS calls me to peace.

"HE has left us HIS peace, but a life of emotional turmoil not only makes us miserable, it can also make us sick."

I know that when I have been treated or judged unfairly by someone I tend to get overly emotional, and begin the "pity party" for myself.  I know that if I allow myself I can go to a very dark place, a place where "woe is me, " and "why me," live.  I know that I must choose to seek HIS peace daily in my life, especially when I have been hurt by the flesh.  I know that HE calls me to love my enemies, and to forgive them for what they have done.  I know that I am to model CHRIST to everyone in my thoughts, and actions.  I  know that I must discipline myself to love them like JESUS.

So often in my life someone will say or do something negative to me, and I will internalize it, and before I know it I will make agreements to their comments. I know that I must choose to NOT let my emotions of their words and actions to dictate my thoughts and actions.

Sugar Ray Robinson said this: " I've always believed that you can think positive just as well as you can think negative."

I know that not allowing negative thoughts to enter my mind is a choice.  One of which I must choose daily to manage, otherwise my thoughts will manage me, and soon my actions will follow.  I know that I must be GOD honoring in my thoughts, so my actions will align to HIS will for my life.  I know that when everything around me is spinning out of control, I must choose to remain in control.

"On the contrary:“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:20-21

I know that I must choose to trust GOD that HE will take what Satan has intended for bad, that HE will use it for HIS glory.  

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20

I now understand and know that Satan put a mark out on my life the moment I was conceived.  As he knew that GOD was going to use me, and use me BIG.  Satan knew that GOD's power in me was a force to be reckoned with.  HE knew that I would allow GOD to lead me, and teach me how to have a heart for people and no matter what they did to me, I would love them just like JESUS.  This is living proof in my life, as I mourned the death of my step-grandfather and prayed to GOD that he wasn't in hell.  I wouldn't wish an eternity in hell on anyone.  I have already "endured" a living hell throughout the 1st half of my life, and I would never want anyone to suffer like that forever.  This is how I know that GOD is working in my life, because I know in my humanness, flesh, I would hope that they would burn in hell.  

I know that this way of thinking isn't always popular among people, however I know that I am called to love all people just like JESUS.  GOD has asked me to be in this world, and not of it.  I choose to obey HIM, as the alternative for me is NOT an option.  I know the breakthroughs I have been through in my life, and all that I have overcome through my faith in HIM.  I know that my strength comes from HIM, and when I allow HIM, HE can, will, and does renew my heart and mind to align to HIS will for my life.  I know that no matter what may be done to me, I will forgive, love, and move on just as HE calls me to.  I do this with confidence as I know HE is in control, and any judgement that is due will be done through HIM.  I choose to trust HIM with every moment of my life, to guide me, teach me, and lead me.  I choose that when harm is brought to me, HIS truth will be revealed, and justice will be done, and I will be at peace as I didn't seek vengeance against those who harm me.

"A thousand may fall at your side,ten thousand at your right hand,but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked." Psalm 91:7-8

I know that everyday I must choose to be "not of this world."

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

I pray today if you are struggling to forgive someone, that you will allow HIM to adjust your vision so that you may see the one who hurt you through HIS eyes.  I pray that you will allow HIM to transform your heart so that you are able to love them like JESUS.  I pray that today you will choose to pursue peace in your heart, and let go of all your emotions of bitterness, and need for vengeance.  I pray today that you will let HIM fill your heart with HIS peace.  A peace that surpasses anything of this world, and that you will know that it can only come from HIM.

Blessings,
Heather