attitude, blessings, comfort zone, encouragement, follow God, influence, Jesus, negative words, outreach, real love, rejection, relationships

let love bloom

July 17, 2015July 15, 2015 judikruis

bloom 6x6 encaustic wax & pigment — bloom
6×6 encaustic
wax & pigment

With news and social areas filled with judgment and more, I keep praying for clearer understanding of how to respond – as Jesus would. We are only righteous through Christ and so often we aren’t even staying close enough to Him for that to be seen.

A Christ follower should look different.

I remember lecturing others in years past, “Don’t use the word hate. It’s not a good thing to keep in your heart.” Now I’m lecturing myself for my use of “love the sinner and hate the sin” and feeling it’s not how Jesus would respond.

JESUS LOVES ALL. Enough to die for ALL, no matter what was done or will be done. It is not those who sin who are the issue – it the author of lies and his dominion of darkness. That brings a new light to the darkness.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Romans 12:9-14

Published by judikruis

Guided by God - in art, writing, international and local missions. He brings me in contact with a wide variety of people. It's a treasure to share love, hope and encouragement wherever that may be. I don't always get it right but I press on! View all posts by judikruis

4 thoughts on “let love bloom”

Debby says:

July 17, 2015 at 7:23 am

This made me think of a portion of the serenity prayer that seems to go through my heard more and more these days, “accept hardship as a pathway to peace”, i.e., patient in affliction. Good words, hard actions.

Reply
1. judikruis says:
  
  July 17, 2015 at 2:27 pm
  
  I’ll post the full version here Debby….I’m used to the one verse not the full of it. Like much of my Bible too…
  The Serenity Prayer
  
  God grant me the serenity
  To accept the things I cannot change;
  Courage to change the things I can;
  And wisdom to know the difference.
  
  Living one day at a time;
  Enjoying one moment at a time;
  Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
  Taking, as He did, this sinful world
  As it is, not as I would have it;
  Trusting that He will make all things right
  If I surrender to His Will;
  So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
  And supremely happy with Him
  Forever and ever in the next.
  Amen.
  
  “Not that I have attained….but that I press on….” Phil 3:12
  
  Reply
lucindalines says:

July 17, 2015 at 1:58 pm

Thanks for the reminder of how we are to be. This is a great passage and perhaps I have not really looked at this way before. Great post!!

Reply
1. judikruis says:
  
  July 17, 2015 at 2:30 pm
  
  Even this part Lucinda…”Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.” Is that only for those who believe or those made in His image…aren’t we all made in His image?
  
  That’s why I say I often have more questions as I seek for more answers!
  
  Bless us all with more wisdom and revelation in knowing you better Lord, that You would open the eyes of our heart in understanding! Eph 1
  
  Reply