Five Minute Friday has rolled around quickly again this week! Most of you who read this already know what it is, but I’ll review in case you don’t.
- Write for 5 mintues and don’t look back. I usually read it over for misspellings and grammar. It’s too stressful for me, to put out something that has those errors in it.
- Link to Gypsy Mama…Grand Dame of Five Minute Friday.
- Stop by the link and visit the link before yours and write an encouraging comment…leave one for any others you want to as well! It’s a great place to make new friends.
GO
Risky living.
What is it?
Is it found when we travel to a foreign country and
live in difficult circumstances for a time?
Sometimes.
Is it found in skydiving, fast living, driving racecars, unhealthy behaviors?
Maybe, but there are other names for that kind of lifestyle
that have nothing to do with taking a wise, well-thought-out risk.
Have you ever noticed the feeling in your stomach that knots up
or in your head when it starts pounding
and tells you you are doing something that is very scary…at least for you?
Sometimes, it is “only” an apology.
It is to a person who has wronged you severely,
but you took it out on them by holding a grudge
or gossiping about them
or keeping a grudge alive in your heart as you kept adding the points against them!
The day may have come when you knew you must apoligize
not because of something another person told you to do…
but the voice of the Spirit kept after you.
Quietly reminding you of the depth of His forgiveness of you
and your need to put words to your forgiveness of the person…
or your apology…for resenting, gossiping, not letting the grudge go!
You did it. Your heart was pounding the whole time.
You wondered if you even meant it.
Later, you realized you did
and truly were sorry. STOP
In your conversation, you learned of other things going on at the time.
As you listened to her heart, you realized that she was struggling too!
You moved an inch or a step closer to a relationship that day.
This was someone you are starting to see as a human being,
not an enemy.
Yes, the relationship will always be a struggle…
but it will be worth it for Christ’s sake!
What is risky living?
It is moving toward an enemy with the goal of friendship.
Only GOD is able to work this kind of miracle.
TO HIM BE THE GLORY AND HONOR!
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you…”
Luke 6: 27 (cf. Luke 6:27-36, Matthew 5:43-48)
For further resources, see Peacemaker.net with teaching, conference info, conciliation help, resources for children, teens and adults for all types of relationships including couples on verge of divorce. There is a wealth of help here.
I like the idea of risky living. And you’re right, risks take a lot of different forms. What is no big deal to one person is a huge risk to another.
you are so right elizabeth!
What a wonderful message! God brings so much healing into our relationships when we are willing to forgive as we have been forgiven. Beautiful.
thanks for visiting marisha. there is no getting around the fact that forgiveness is not easy. it takes courage and the desire to trust GOD… b/c only He can enable us to forgive…no question!
Visiting from 5 minute Friday. What a lovely thought for the day, to move towards our enemies in love. So glad I got to stop by your blog.
thanks for stopping by ellen:) glad you enjoyed it.