Fact or Fiction - Often Hard to Discern
By Jean A Sturgill | June 11, 2008
I can remember growing up hearing stories from someone about another person that we both knew. I took what was said to be fact, because I thought a lot of that person. I think he really believed what he said to be true. Many, many years later, I found out that it was all a matter of his biased opinion. And yes, I do still think he believed it to be true.
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
- Exodus 20:16
Another example: Years ago my husband, while working fulltime, took a continuing education class. Sounds great, right? . . . until he had to work overtime . . . and a lot of it! . . . Now what about me? . . . He had no time for me unless he quit the class. There just were not enough hours in the day. I could have assumed he did not care. —- But that was not true at all. I simply got caught in the circumstances.
Life application:
Sadly many relationships and reputations are ruined because of assumptions and wrong perspectives. We need to be careful we do not act and speak out of what we feel and assume. Many times we think we know all the facts, but we don’t. Sometimes what we think really does have more to do with our emotions and attitudes than reality.
Blessings from The Bouncing Beaver!
Share ThisTopics: Learning to Walk | No Comments »
Does God’s Love Flow Through You?
By Jean A Sturgill | May 29, 2008
Most folks would say yes without thinking. I want to look a little closer here to see if we really are doing all we could be doing. Do we really extend grace to our family and friends? Do we show them love even when we feel they do not deserve it?
What about the person who cut you off at the light? Maybe they were late for work because they had a sick child, and now they are in fear of losing their job.
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
-John 13:34-35
This commandment was for Christians to love one another. LOVE is a VERB as we have heard it said. Think about it. Jesus used it as a verb. Love used here is not the warm and fuzzy feeling you have for another. It is in your actions.
Life application:
When life comes at us fast, it is hard to act instead of reacting. We spend much of our time reacting to what is going on around us. It is easy for it to be all about us. It is hard for us to extend that grace to those who upset us. Going even further - if we pause for a moment - I am sure we can name some folks around us that need a call, or a hug, or a hand with the kids. Maybe they need their lawn mowed. We have all been there. Choose the loving thing, and then act on it.
To my family and friends: I praise God for each of you. God has put one of you in my path or on the phone every time I have needed you most. Sometimes you called me. Sometimes I called you. Today was no exception. I needed you, and you were there. Thank you.
Blessings from The Bouncing Beaver!
Share ThisTopics: Learning to Walk | No Comments »