The title alludes to the topic of our small group gathering tonight.
I never realized how difficult it can be to be merciful to someone that you may not want to offer it to. It's easier to be nice to the people you like, or whom you know aren't a threat to you in any way. But it's altogether different to be gracious to those who rub you the wrong way. Sometimes, even the people you like or love are the ones "going against the grain".
Like the rest of the Beatitudes, Jesus drives it home with concepts like "turning the other cheek, offering up your covering, or walking along with then through the rough stuff. I can tell you that although I'm an empathetic listener overall, at times the 'pathetic' listener will emerge. This is especially so, if the person has gotten under my skin and I turn defensive. Sometimes the "default settings" of our human programming are contrary to what the Lord instructs. No wonder the refinement process can take years to complete.
I suppose that's why we attend church, and then meet in small groups so that we can further discuss and unpack the Word. It's also where devotions come to bear; they're the wisdom and means to begin the change into the likeness of Christ.
Good Night
No comments:
Post a Comment