Happenings (page 12)

God has broad shoulders. He can take it when we say no. God can handle our refusal to walk the road that is ours to walk. He will be patient with us.

If one measures with the heart of God, there is no such thing as fair. Fairness is an entirely human concept. Overwhelming unconditional love is the only standard of God and God’s love.

We are created as people built for community. We are not intended to be isolated in our living or our faith. 

Speak with love and care when you and another have something that separates you. Be honest and try to journey together to a place of peace.

The bottom line is Satan is alive and well. He is slick and wily. Satan disguises himself in the most innocuous places and people in our lives.

Forgive and be forgiven, hold bound and be held bound. From the depth of Jesus’ humanity, He knows forgiveness is complicated and calls his disciples to this very high standard. Forgiveness is hard when we are sinned against and broken by the hurt.

This story is God’s way of reminding us that He doesn’t want to see those qualities in us either. He doesn’t like it when we are close-minded and dismissive of others. He doesn’t appreciate it when we are sharp-tongued or short-tempered.

Doubt is the striving of the soul for truth. We must dig deeply into our souls to name the winds of doubt that haunt us.