and they may be totally misled and mistaken in what they are filling in the blanks with!" me
I am curious where the responsibility of restoration then lies...with the ignored? or with the ignorer?
There was something that caused this action...or inaction...and the ignorer can point back to it. The ignored, most likely, is probably in the dark.
Obviously, there is a reason for the ignorer to be ignoring the ignored...but it is easy to take the path of least resistance...and never deal biblically with the problem. Never clearing up the misled thoughts and mistaken notions.
And this....is where the fruits of the Spirit are lived out!
And that...is when the love of I Corinthians 13 is practiced.
And...where many Christians lose it completely and live a life of bitterness and regret. Our churches are full of these type of people. Never forgiving only retaliating and seeking to find others to join Team Miserable.
Luke 17:1 "Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe [unto him], through whom they come!"
I've thought about this many times. Offences come...it's life. I've watched this happen time and again. Living where I have lived and serving where I have served, I have been on the receiving end time and again. I shake my head in wonder. And now...so many years later...I am 42 years old now, you know. I've seen what has been reaped by what was sown...so long ago...and my heart is heavy for the misery and grief.
I've had to spend hours in my Bible and in prayer asking God to protect my heart, my choices, and my actions. It is a daily battle of the wills...my will or His will.
Philippians 2:5-8
Matthew 22:37-39
It has gotten easier...but the struggle is still there.
I see how people react and act when they are ignored. I know how it feels. I've thought it myself, "If that is how Christians act...why should I ever want to be like them? I've had enough." Most of us justify our behavior...as the other person's fault. "They don't agree with me." "They are too hard to talk to." "They weren't smiling." It is time for us to grow up spiritually and do what is right. "Love thy neighbor as thyself."
These thoughts came up in a conversation today, and it got me to thinking all over again. I am thankful that the Holy Spirit continually convicts me of my wrong thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
What am I saying by my actions or inactions? There are times when showing love to others can be hard, but we are called to do just that! Christ is our example. Sometimes doing nothing...is worse than doing something. Another note...these things don't just go away like it never happened...the little seeds send down roots...the plant grows...and more seeds are scattered.
There are times I just can't "fake it and present like all is fine" when it is not. I know I step back when things aren't easy, not my usual friendly self. Scripture passages scroll through my mind constantly...these are not verses for children only...these are verses for adults who think they are ok...but are not!!!
"Love covers a multitude of sin..."
"And be ye kind one to another..."
"Thinketh no evil..."
"Return good for evil..."
The verses we learn as children...help us during the growing years, yes, but the verses are in place for our living out our faith in the nitty-gritty of life years...or should be!
I struggle with all these thoughts, and I know the Lord is giving me strength when I am weak. I also know that I am not responsible for other's actions. I will not take responsibility for others...only myself!
Sinful actions bring breaks in relationships that must be resolved according to God's Word as His Spirit works.
Romans 16:17
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."
There are times that we can't hold close fellowship when wrong is done. God's Word tells us to "mark and avoid". Another note...that doesn't remove responsibility of being civil and polite...the goal is restoration!!! We have no understanding of what biblical forgiveness is or does...and I say that on the grounds of God's Word and just reading the book Choosing Forgiveness. Christians are ignorant of what God's Word says and what He expects. We pull out what we like and shout it from the roof-tops and push aside the things that make us uncomfortable. Yet, we parade around like all is well...and it isn't. We show it by our actions...our words mean nothing at that point.
What are we saying about the forgiveness of Christ in our life? In the lives of others?
I must be missing something.
Sometimes people get ignored. We justify our many reasons.
Sometimes opportunities are lost. We don't move when the Holy Spirit prompts us.
Sometimes there are too many things to take care of. We are too busy doing unimportant things.
Sometimes pride gets the best of us. We hate to admit it.
We ought not to be treating people in this manner! Ever! No excuses!
It is something to think about...because...believe me...the ignored people (saved or unsaved) in your life are filling in their blanks! And they may just be writing "your supposed testimony of life" off. You are not responsible for their actions...but you will be accountable for them!
Every person deserves a smile, a nod, a pat on the back, or a simple greeting...there is no excuse for not doing that! Christ reached out to all people...whether they agreed with Him or not. He is our example!
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