Pray For Those
I feel like my life is hanging out there for people to look at and judge. When you live a life that isn't exactly normal or typical in this society, people have their opinions... and they make it known. Sometimes, the opinions and comments really hurt. Whoever said "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." was a liar. Words do hurt and they can definitely do damage. As it says in the word of God, the tongue has power to build up or tear down. The tongue is a double edged sword and it can leave deep wounds. So how do you respond when people insult you and tell you that you are making the wrong decisions?
Well, I can definitely tell you that my flesh does not like it one bit. My flesh, wants to defend myself and tell them why they are wrong. My flesh tells me to build up my pride, but God tells me to humble myself. My flesh doesn't want to respond to hurtful words with love, but God says it must be done. My flesh wants to fight back and protect myself, but God's word says to pray for those who persecute you. So when I get frustrated, I will pray with sincerity and compassion. I will respond and speak with love and give God the glory when I am thought of as a fool. I will humble myself before those around me and especially before God. Because this was never about me in the first place... It's about God and giving Him the honor and glory He deserves. He gives me His love and enables me to love people as Christ did. Though He was insulted and mocked, Christ loved with a passionate and true love. I will love, not with my own love, but with the perfect love of God.
Matthew 5:43-44
“You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Praying in love,
-Olivia Thabisa Cartwright
Well, I can definitely tell you that my flesh does not like it one bit. My flesh, wants to defend myself and tell them why they are wrong. My flesh tells me to build up my pride, but God tells me to humble myself. My flesh doesn't want to respond to hurtful words with love, but God says it must be done. My flesh wants to fight back and protect myself, but God's word says to pray for those who persecute you. So when I get frustrated, I will pray with sincerity and compassion. I will respond and speak with love and give God the glory when I am thought of as a fool. I will humble myself before those around me and especially before God. Because this was never about me in the first place... It's about God and giving Him the honor and glory He deserves. He gives me His love and enables me to love people as Christ did. Though He was insulted and mocked, Christ loved with a passionate and true love. I will love, not with my own love, but with the perfect love of God.
Matthew 5:43-44
“You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Praying in love,
-Olivia Thabisa Cartwright
I do not know you, Olivia. I came to your blog because Gary Schneider shared one of your November posts (that mentioned Doreen - one of the children my family sponsors)... But I do know what it's like when you talk about your passion for God's work and people stare at you as though you are speaking martian. I do know what it's like when you advocate passionately for "the least of these" and people you love look at you like, "here we go again..." I am a lot older than you and my concern over what other's think and say about me has waned - but at your age that was so hard. I want you to know, soft-hearted sister, that I am praying for God to pour out His peace on you - and to grow a Godly crust over your tender skin. You are right - we are called to love all people - but sometimes that's impossible without the love of Christ. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your encouragement and prayers! It is very difficult at times but I know God is holding me and it is so encouraging to know that someone is praying for me! Thank you for sponsoring Doreen and being a light to her! She is such a special little girl and I love her to pieces! (And I am sure you do as well!) Actually, my next post that I am currently writing features Doreen again. Have a great night and God bless you as well!
ReplyDelete-Olivia