IN AND OUT OF LOVE

CONTEND EARNESTLY

Look around you and you will inevitably find those who simply know how to push your buttons. There are those who by their very nature are not content unless they are stirring up the pot of dissension. There are those who refuse to be happy with what they have been given and are threatened by the independence and joy of another. The closer your walk with Jesus, the more this ugly truth will rear its head! Be ever vigilant in recognizing the deceiver, who has and will always work through the self-centered and loveless to cause doubt and dis-ease.

Today specifically, I am going to address family (blood kin). While you cannot control how your kin acts around you, you surely have the power of understanding and the ability to choose whether or not you will allow it to pull you off course and out of the Love of Jesus.

Mark 6
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
1 Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. 2 And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! 3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.
4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.

If Jesus would have based his value on the opinions of his immediate family, would He have continued on His appointed journey?

I cannot count the conversations had and emails received asking how to deal with abusive, unloving family members. Beloved, you must learn to see and hear with the discernment of the Holy Spirit. You are called, you are justified, and you are glorified by Jesus Himself, and no man, not one, can take that from you unless you allow them to! Pray for those who spitefully use you and then get about the business of living. You CAN forgive and you MUST let go if you want to be free from all ties that bind your heart.

The book of Jude warns and reminds us that we are to contend earnestly for the faith, drawing a distinction between good and evil, even if it's sitting at your own table!

12 These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; 13 raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.
Jude 1:12-13

FORGIVENESS = FRATERNIZATION?
Forgiveness does not mean that you have to subject yourselves to abuse in any form. There are those whom you are better off to avoid, but with forgiveness in your heart you will see clearly in determining the best course for your peace of mind. With this said, make your decisions and then live with the decisions you make.

HERE'S THE NUGGET:
Do not judge the world or your walk in it by your blood kin, for you are as Jesus was; not believed nor effective in your own home. Jesus stands at the door. Be patient but ever hopeful knowing that all things are ordered and all ordered steps must be completed too, before completion of purpose is met.

Ponder this and find your hope.

Love Destiny / CYU Ministries