THEY WILL KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS BY OUR LOVE
- Key Verse
- And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade...they were highly regarded by the people...more and more people believed in the Lord. (Acts 5:12-14 NIV)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Sometimes our greatest opportunity to show God's love is right in our own homes.
Reflections
I've often wondered what people see when they see my life. Do they see hope, humility and love? I once thought, "What's so different about me from a non-believer? They don't want what I have." These thoughts plagued me because of my attitude and behavior at home. To the outside world I showed love and kindness. At home, I was triggered in all kinds of ways that showed my jagged edges. I found my husband, Brian, the hardest person to love and show grace. Not because of him, but because I was scared to be vulnerable and let him in. I worked hard to keep him at a distance.I was incredibly disrespectful to Brian, and I blamed him for it! I belittled, questioned, judged and raged at my husband when I felt pain or discomfort. I was like a tornado in our home and Brian did not feel emotionally safe around me. "They will know we are Christians by our love." You ever heard that? Well, if you watched through my home window from the outside you'd wonder if I was a Christian. I started to wonder, "What does it matter if I can love others well if I can't love the one I am joined with?" I felt hopeless because I couldn't stop my behavior...I mean...I'm a Christian for crying out loud!
I started going to Celebrate Recovery and began a process of allowing God to restore me. He began showing me when I wasn't being safe, how to just listen to Brian without judging him, how to let Brian be who he was and how to deal with and take responsibility for the painful feelings I was having. Eventually I made amends to Brian. I continue to do so whenever I cross the line.
I want to serve and love well, and I've learned that has to start in my home first and foremost.
Discussion Questions
1. If someone looked in your home window, what would they see? Would they see the same person with the same attitudes and behavior that are shown around friends and co-workers?2. What do you believe about God and His willingness to restore an attitude or behavior you'd like to change?
3. Would you be willing to ask God to restore you and show you your part in the process of change? If not, would you be willing to pray for the willingness? Explain your answer.
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of .
Jason Jackson
January 15, 2010 12:07 AM
Thank God for His restoration! Great testimony of how great He is! Thanks!
Rockie Marvel
January 15, 2010 06:46 AM
WOW! Emily, what you said was like me looking in a mirror. I've been married to my husband 10 years on 1/21 and I've wanted to change my attitude for a long time. We had some financial challenges in the beginning and I blamed him which turned to resentment and anger and the daily "jabs" I take at him to remind him it was "his fault". How do you break through that? I realize I can't be happy and love completely until I resolve these issues from the inside. Maybe Celebrate Recovery can help me also - I'll look into that. Thank you. Press on! Rockie
Harold
January 15, 2010 08:41 AM
Wow, Emily, that is vulnerable honesty! I hope Brian reads Join the Journey. You share a most important reality, that our Christian testimony cannot really be stronger than our life with those who know us best.
Kathy
January 15, 2010 08:50 AM
Emily, thanks for such an honest devotion today. This reading had me asking the same question...wonder what others see if they looked thru my window. Just hearing that someone else experiences these same thoughts really helped me today. Love you and loved your writing today. Thanks!
Jgarellano
January 15, 2010 08:57 AM
Emily, You are an encouragement to us all. Thank you for modeling the way to spiritual maturity. God bless you on that baby thing.
Phil Ogilvie
January 15, 2010 10:28 AM
Thanks for being so open and honest Emily. Your thoughts are not unique, Shannon and I have been there as well. I'm so thankful for his grace.
Margaret McCrummen
January 15, 2010 11:52 AM
How wonderful it is when we can look into the eyes of our brother or sister and find love and understanding about the things that torment our souls! I love the spiritual discipline of "confession"...AND...I loved your devotional~ Praise God for His healing touch!!!!
michelle key
January 15, 2010 11:53 AM
Emily, thank you for your authenticity! It is refreshing to hear a follower of Christ be so willing to be real and open. I'm thankful that He is in the business of restoring and renewing my body, heart, soul and mind. May God bless you sister. michelle
Kevilyn
January 17, 2010 02:13 PM
Emily that was awesome, it is when we have a chance to sit back and look at our own faults that God can really use us when we are not so preoccupied judging the faults of those around us.. Wow, that was ministry for me
Lisa Robinson
January 18, 2010 09:24 AM
Emily, thank you! Your authenticity is so refreshing and your story, so encouraging. I do believe that is how we show love one to another, by being real with each other. Praise God that he allows us to see ourselves so we can take the necessary steps towards correction.
rose
January 18, 2010 12:02 PM
fabulous devotional, Emily! thanks for being open and honest and letting us see clearly through the window of your life. God is so good. He not only restores relationships but makes them new and improved! Rose
Kaye
January 18, 2010 04:05 PM
Emily, wonderfully said! I identify with all that you said. I've been there too! I want to treat those closest to me (my husband) better and I pray that it causes him to respond in kind. Great devotional! What a blessing! Thank you, Kaye