The Well
The Well |
|
Connecting Hope to the Hurting | |
Saturday
September 6, 2008
There are six things the LORD hates – no,
seven things he detests:
haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that kill
the innocent,
a heart that plots evil,
feet that race to do wrong,
a
false witness who pours out lies,
a person who sows discord among
brothers.
Proverbs 6:16-19
Now, go back and read today's passage again.
Please excuse me while I jump up on my soapbox for a few minutes…did you find any mention of alcohol, cigarettes, divorce, or drugs? Okay, just checking! Yes, God hates all of these things too, but – He doesn't detest them. Although I do think that divorce borders on "a heart that plots evil," too many times it is just the outward manifestation of an empty heart.
If we, as the church – the Body of Christ, are going to reach out to a lost world we are going to have to learn some tolerance. Hurting people have many lifestyle addictions. Because of the emptiness of their heart they have picked up alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to fill a void – to help them cope with their pain. Just because they accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord doesn't do away with the cause of their addiction and pain.
If you have picked up anything this week I hope it is the fact that God wants us to walk in love with one another. No, I don't profess that it is an easy undertaking, but it is one well worth pursuing!
As you go about your Saturday duties – buying groceries, shopping for clothes, or getting your car serviced – ask the Lord to show you at least one person who needs a simple smile or an encouraging word. I have a feeling He will.
Father, we don't want to minimize or condone sin in people's lives, but we do want them to know the depth of Your love. Please lead us to someone today that needs a touch of Your loving hope and give us the right words to say. We truly want to see Your Kingdom come and give You all the glory!
