Turning up again and again is easier than resisting the urge that grows with each repeated expression of support to add a (perhaps well-meaning) “What did I tell you last time?”
From Scotty Smith at Heavenward.
“ “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)
Lord Jesus, thank you. Unlike me, you never get rigid, and grate on the inside. You never roll your eyes in disgust. You never weaponize being inconvenienced and disappointed. You never resort to asking—much less thinking, “Are you ever going to get it?” “Didn’t I tell you so?” “Why can’t you be like…?”
It’s not that you give us “a pass” on stuff we need to deal with, or the ways we act out in foolish and destructive ways. But Jesus, you know how to convict us without condemning us—how to correct our hearts without crushing our spirits. You “show-up” without “shaming-down,” for you have born our guilt and shame on the cross. Thank you…
Thank you for remaining kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving when we deserve the opposite, Jesus. One Day we will be this loving, for we will be like you (1 John 3:1-3). Please import some of that Day, into this one.
Some of us are dealing with “repeat offenders”—and our patience and kindness are gone. Some of us are dealing with new crises we saw coming, and no one listened to us. Some of us are on the giving end—the ones who have made life painful and difficult for people we love. Bring your heart and hand to bear, merciful and mighty, Lord Jesus. “We need Thee every hour,” including this one. So Very Amen..
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