It may have been a day off from work but it was a full one, Father! Thank You for watching over us on the highway as we both had doctor’s visits. Thank You for quality and quantity time with Karen – we are so blessed!
Mark 3:20-21 (<<click to read the passage)
It is easy to feel misunderstood. When we diligently strive to follow God in every aspect of our lives those around us, especially those closest to us, may not truly comprehend what is going on. If Jesus – literally the Son of God – was misunderstood by His family, will it be any different for us?
As my study Bible communicates, being the human beings that we are – and this I’m sure will shock some people – we are not perfect! Follow Jesus is not an instantaneous event! We grow and mature. We stumble and fall. We have to learn how to act in regards to some things and we also have to unlearn how to react to some things. It just takes time.
We must have patience with ourselves as we endeavor to “love the Lord [our] God with all [our] heart, all [our] soul, all [our] mind, and all [our] strength.” But of course, this means that we must have just as much or more patience with others as we struggle to “Love [our] neighbor as [ourselves].” Mark 12:30-31
Let me close with a quote from my Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation,
“[Family members] see you at your worst when your guard is down. Remember that Christ’s family rejected and ridiculed him. Jesus knows what you face by trying to be a witness for him in your own family. Stay true to your faith. Don’t respond negatively to the attacks that may come. Over time, your love for your family will have a positive effect.”
Lord Jesus, help us to forgive ourselves and forgive others, too. Grace is not just between us and You. We are called to extend grace to others, as well. Amen.
Feb. 18th, 2019, Mon, 8:53 pm
