LESSONS by (me!) sandra, tvgp
i can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. -i'm repeating a lesson with a different story: let's say you have a severe alcoholic. does the severe alcoholic attend the big, heavy drinking party, while repeatedly saying to him or herself.. "i will not drink.. i will not drink... i can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.." or does, not in fact.. the strength in Christ demonstrate itself in the severe alcoholics ability to say no to the invitation in the first place. in this way.. i've learned what invitations to say no to.. but, it sure seems like the world tugs toward desiring that you show up for the party -- my strength is in knowing when to say no thank you. *** on forgiveness: i believe there is more than one form.. we can't lump all forgiveness into one catch all basket -- the person who accidentally walked all over your newly planted garden vs. the person who did it intentionally -- a bank comes to mind. bank owner catches an employee stealing money. he doesn't (and shouldn't) say, "oh.. i understand. temptation got the best of you. you are forgiven. try again" and keep the employee on the payroll. the bank owner -writefully, fires the employee. now, the bank owner, if he's smart.. spiritually evolved.. will not spend the next several months/years, holding on to the upset.. "i can't believe that employee betrayed me! oh my.. i trust no one.. etc, etc." the bank owner fires the employee. wishes him well on his journey forward.. hopes the employee has learned the lesson.. etc. prays the employee will grow and learn and improve -- and the bank owner continues on, with an educated eye for spotting the signs of someone who might steal.. vs. someone who would not -- and hires accordingly. *** forgiveness does not always mean accept/keep; nor does it always mean reject/toss. each situation requires a certain wisdom. which i believe can be achieved through prayer. -in Jesus name, amen.
posted by SHE @ 10:28 AM
2 Comments:
There's a difference between forgiveness and responsibility. Just because you forgive someone doesn't mean he/she shouldn't take responsibility. As to the party? If you can, tell the host you can't stay long. Say hello, avoid the bar and leave. Otherwise, just send a greeting card.
kmg/bbf: -always appreciate your insights! -and, did you intentionally represent the tugging i described?
great example! love, ~s.
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