I am a dog with a bone on this topic, but I'd like some more feedback on this. Please bare with me...
I often hear the words guard our hearts, and I know He does…
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 NASB
I think we are to be wise, for sure. There is no way we can know the true heart of someone. But if we are guarded even in balance, showing both gentleness and wisdom, how can we show the Love of Jesus, and let Him shine? We are called to extend thanksgiving, showing love, hospitality, kindness, mercy, goodness, service, meekness, humility, hope and on and on, right? We also know that we are not to gossip and slander, create strife, mock, be bitter, unkind, unmerciful, filled with malice and contention, selfish and prideful, self righteous and condemning, and also in these ways on and on.
So where is the balance, what exactly does the guarding our hearts suppose to look like? Is it as simple as this...
Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.
Romans 16:17
Are we just to simply stay away from those that act contrary to His will, but pray for them. I think so. I know we are human, and thus will probably always fall short on the way we love ppl, which is another way we will also fall short in loving Him? Plus, there is only so much time in a day. However, I am fully aware, He will help us to be sincere, selfless, and to be sufficient.
I know if we have a heart wide open, it is susceptible to hurt, that we are more vulnerable. Perhaps, He will have to show me and guide me on the pragmatics of how we are suppose to be with one another. After all, I'm not a wee one, quite the contrary. I have grand wee ones, for crying ot loud, lol. I think that who we are to be within our nature in Him should include sincerity, grace, humility, and wisdom. I also think that we are to make sure our intentions are honorable. Perhaps we have to ensure that we love with all our hearts and minds, but do so, hoping to show Him, not ourselves. Perhaps, this is it, hmmmmm? Maybe when we are loving to feed what only He should, we will get hurt and come up empty. He wants us to love others, not glorify them. I think this is where I struggle. Hmmmmm, I thoroughly enjoy thoughts worked through. I think He wants us too deeply care for others, take precious tender care of them, but depletion and harm comes when even our love isn't properly distributed.
I think a heart for mercy is such a precious and priceless gift. We must not operate, though, from a wounded place, one yearning for acceptance and mercy. After all, those we are only to get from only Him. I think it is time for a good bible study….
I am far too old to be this young
I often hear the words guard our hearts, and I know He does…
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 NASB
I think we are to be wise, for sure. There is no way we can know the true heart of someone. But if we are guarded even in balance, showing both gentleness and wisdom, how can we show the Love of Jesus, and let Him shine? We are called to extend thanksgiving, showing love, hospitality, kindness, mercy, goodness, service, meekness, humility, hope and on and on, right? We also know that we are not to gossip and slander, create strife, mock, be bitter, unkind, unmerciful, filled with malice and contention, selfish and prideful, self righteous and condemning, and also in these ways on and on.
So where is the balance, what exactly does the guarding our hearts suppose to look like? Is it as simple as this...
Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.
Romans 16:17
Are we just to simply stay away from those that act contrary to His will, but pray for them. I think so. I know we are human, and thus will probably always fall short on the way we love ppl, which is another way we will also fall short in loving Him? Plus, there is only so much time in a day. However, I am fully aware, He will help us to be sincere, selfless, and to be sufficient.
I know if we have a heart wide open, it is susceptible to hurt, that we are more vulnerable. Perhaps, He will have to show me and guide me on the pragmatics of how we are suppose to be with one another. After all, I'm not a wee one, quite the contrary. I have grand wee ones, for crying ot loud, lol. I think that who we are to be within our nature in Him should include sincerity, grace, humility, and wisdom. I also think that we are to make sure our intentions are honorable. Perhaps we have to ensure that we love with all our hearts and minds, but do so, hoping to show Him, not ourselves. Perhaps, this is it, hmmmmm? Maybe when we are loving to feed what only He should, we will get hurt and come up empty. He wants us to love others, not glorify them. I think this is where I struggle. Hmmmmm, I thoroughly enjoy thoughts worked through. I think He wants us too deeply care for others, take precious tender care of them, but depletion and harm comes when even our love isn't properly distributed.
I think a heart for mercy is such a precious and priceless gift. We must not operate, though, from a wounded place, one yearning for acceptance and mercy. After all, those we are only to get from only Him. I think it is time for a good bible study….
I am far too old to be this young