| devotional by: Matt Hammitt |
Added: 01-14-2008 |
Sanctus Real: Live Out Real Love
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15
Jesus is the best example of the importance of communicating clearly, even when it’s uncomfortable. He knew what His calling was, He knew who was supposed to be around him as a part of His earthly ministry, and He followed that direction from His Father perfectly. He wasn’t always celebrated for how He communicated – more often than not, he was ostracized for it – even to the point of death. However, look at how His way of doing things changed the world – it offered salvation to you and me, and to all of mankind.
No, you are not Jesus and neither am I, however it is our goal to mimic Him by how we live our lives – how we love Him and how we love each other. Be intentional about how you’re spending your time – what things are you doing that are fruitful, and what things should you let go of? Who are the people you’re spending the majority of your time with, and how are they contributing to what God is doing in and around you – and vice versa? Take time to intentionally commune with God – hear His heart on your priorities and your relationships. When you’ve heard His heart, it’s much easier to walk forward, knowing that you are walking in line with what His plan is for your life and the lives of those around you.
Be sure that as you walk in His will, that you are intentional to communicate with those closest to you. Sometimes being direct, or even sharing things that are hurtful, is a part of living in healthy relationship with others. The bottom line is that God puts people in your life for a reason, some to build you up, some for you to teach, some to remind you of Him, some to cause you to portray Him…and so much more. The bottom line is that we need the people that God has placed around us, and they need us.
If you’ve failed to communicate with someone you love, or someone you struggle to love. Now is the time. Make that call, write that letter, listen, speak. Apologize. Forgive and be forgiven.
Lord, I know that it is in my relationships where my love for you should show up first. Please help me today to honor You in the way I live with others. And give me bravery to be honest as I do it.
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