An amazing member (so are you!) of our Church Family, Philip Olson, (Philip wants to remain anonymous, so don’t mention this to him!) sent me his notes from his morning time with the Lord. It was so good I thought I would share them with you…
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Making every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Ephesians 4:2
As our anonymous contributor pointed out, the key to this is found in Col. 3:12-17.
Let this message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Col. 3:16
Loving each other in the Family of God is not optional. Yet, in this age of offense and bitterness, it seems difficult. Here are some keys from these passages:
1. Do not blame a lack of intimacy with the Lord on others or your life situations. The veil WAS torn…!
Once a human has “tasted and seen that God is good,” there is a hunger inside us for His presence that cannot be satisfied anywhere else. Unfortunately, we allow our lives to become so busy that we can’t find time to be with the Lord. Which makes us cranky... Which makes us want to blame others, or circumstances… It is our personal responsibility to spend time with Jesus DAILY, get over being cranky, and not blame others for our overcrowded lives…!
2. Stay in thankfulness.
Giving God thanks in ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL things is not optional! When we don’t, we feel sorry for ourselves, blame God or others for our sorrow, and… get cranky. Did someone hurt your feelings today? Give God thanks for having feelings—and then give Father thanks for the person who hurt yours…! It is hard to complain when you are THANKFUL!
3. Keep ourselves reminded of the rich message of the Cross.
When we focus on what Jesus did for ALL of us, instead of what someone did to us, it reminds us of why HE chose love—and why we must, as well! It also helps us to not get cranky!
4. Worship the King!
True worship takes the focus off inward pouting and onto outward shouting! Worshiping the Lord puts life into proper perspective. HE is so much greater than everything this world—full of messed up, cranky people, like you and me—can throw at us! May the high praises of God be on the lips of His people! May everything within me bless His Holy Name!