Morning all, this morning as I sat in front of my computer I thought of how much the opinions of others dictate our actions.
“To be chosen as the Beloved of God is something radically different. Instead of excluding others, it includes others. Instead of rejecting others as less valuable, it accepts others in their own uniqueness. It is not a competitive, but a compassionate choice. Our minds have great difficulty in coming to grips with such a reality. Maybe our minds will never understand it. Perhaps it is only our hearts that can accomplish this. Every time we hear about ‘chosen people’, ‘chosen talents’, or ‘chosen friends’, we almost automatically start thinking about elites and find ourselves not far from feelings of jealousy, anger, or resentment. Not seldom has the perception of others as being chosen led to aggression, violence, and war.”
– Henri J.M. Nouwen
I have struggled over the years, when people speak of chosen friends, I have many times felt not good enough. If people speak about calling or talents I have felt that I miss the mark by so much, but then I realise that my journey is not another man or woman’s journey it’s my own, given to me by God.
Being kind to my friends and family is easy, especially because it’s a relationship worth having. Being kind to bullies is something different. It takes effort and strength, especially when it is so easy to fall for the lies that they speak.
10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
– Ephesians 2:10
God says that we are His handiwork created inside of Christ Jesus, take that to heart, and stand up for that person created by God’s hand. You are valuable, loved and of value. Your calling is your own, given to you by Christ Jesus.
Don’t doubt that you are exactly what God intended and live your life based on facts and not jealous remarks of people.
Dear Lord, as we understand Your word we are thankful that You find each one of us enough, fill us with Your glory and help us to stand when people cause us to fall, Amen
