not purely for the sake of heightening my self-awareness so that i can become a better person or be more attractive and desirable as a spouse (those are bonus!!), but because of my calling.
Matthew 22:36-40 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’through books such as Understanding People (Larry Crabb) and The Meaning of Marriage (Tim Keller), i have come to see my own self-centeredness, self-involvement, and self-everything in very specific and shamefully repentant ways. no more excuses of "well, I just can't fake it!" and "but i'm so wounded..." as a way of deterring myself from loving others the way i was called to love. only hope for redemption and continued sanctification reign in these parts!
well, everyday is a struggle. and as Pastor Danny says, 'you should be desperately asking for God's help every hour of every day.' so at least i'm glad that i find my desperate need for God in this way... yes, i am alone in my apt without a job; kind of relaxing and watching netflix - but my mind and heart are working hard on my self (doubt, respect, protection, denial).
little by little, moment by moment, situation by situation, i'm trying.... and i'm beginning to see and appreciate the tiniest victories, which transcend the shameful failures...
Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.we'll never be perfect in this lifetime, but we can still push and strive for Christ-likeness! Lord help me...
<3
ReplyDelete