Grace Wins


Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13:6‭-‬7 HCSB

Rejoicing in truth is a choice. Daily I am bombarded with lies about people. These lies attempt to control our interactions with others. I can believe the lies and distance myself from others or choose what God says about them as truth, next I can interact with them and discover who they are. This is love!

Bearing all things, is an act of love. That difficult person, that annoying person needs love. There is a lot put out about permanently distancing yourself from negative people on Facebook. I don't agree. If I distance myself permanantly from those who behave badly and not hang in there with grace, they may never change. I have a friend who has been downright self-centered and difficult in the last few years. There are times when I have given myself space from her but been faithful as a friend. She is now aware, repentant and gracious towards me. The theology of distancing yourself can be a selfish act, a judgemental act in itself. Giving yourself space without judgement is good but self-righteousness is not good.

I attend a connect group. When I first joined the group I found some of the people very difficult and it was a challenge to continue. I am glad I did. As I hung in there with grace I saw people change. If I carry the presence of God, I can release Him into.any given situation and allow His grace to rule.

Back to my difficult neighbour, she is minding my plants for me over Christmas. I did not ask, she volunteered. Last year everything was too much and she was unwilling to lift a finger for me.

Perseverance in love is important. If we have grave and love in our hearts we will win. Amen!

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