Posted by Dena on October 5, 2003, at 10:08:54
In reply to Re: Dear god » Dena, posted by slinky on October 5, 2003, at 9:02:13
Dear Slinky -
Rest assured, you didn't offend me. Truthfully, as a follower of Jesus, I'm taught to expect that others will find Him offensive, & so they'll react offensively toward me, as His follower. He said, "As the world hates Me, so it will hate you if you are My disciple." It just comes with the territory.
I've also been taught to respond to offense with love - it's not always easy when my emotions are affected, but I strive to be obedient. I can choose to act in love, even when my feelings don't cooperate.
So, if something offensive is said to or about me, my desire is to forgive - to look beyond the surface of the offense & see the hurt/confusion/fear behind the offense. I choose to pray for the one who offended me, rather than to retaliate, which only hurts me. Bitterness destroys - forgiveness liberates.
When I read your post, I felt a deep sadness, both for you & the writer of the lyrics. I understand that sadness, I once was consumed with it. When our God-shaped void is empty, or is filled with counterfeit stuff, we're miserable - even if we succeed in covering up that misery with other distractions (work, relationships, money, hobbies, etc.). I believe we're created to love & worship God - nothing else really satisfies.
May I keep praying for you? I'd like to pray that you'll come to know God as He really is, & that you'll discover who he created you to be.
Shalom, Dena
poster:Dena
thread:264958
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20030908/msgs/265702.html