Is it just me or are we all caught up in a trap house. Seems to me we all show up waiting and wanting for someone to do something for us. Yes, I said it out loud. We are consumers. That was never the intent but we have migrated closer to popular culture than Christ. Christ calls servants to serve. Where would we find anyone to serve here? Ouch or Amen? Someone has to say it if anything is going to change. We are all to busy to even think of serving Christ. Where did we fail? Maybe that’s why those outside the church see us as a failure. We don’t practice what is preached to us. Yes or yes?
That’s what bitterness and resentment sound like. Is this what I feel like as we prepare for holiday decorating and event planning.? That’s exactly where the evil one works best. Just hold that thought, hold up the bitterness and resentment before Jesus on the Cross and say, “Lord, help me love like you. Heal my bitter heart.”
Instead of wallowing in bitterness and resentment ask instead, “What happened to them? Why are they the way they are? Where has trauma and neglect formed them this way.” Again gazing upon the cross, “Lord heal my bitter resentment and judgment but also heal all the wounded souls around me, please.”
Jesus spoke to Martha and Mary about this very topic in the Gospel of Luke. Better yet, pray with the entire chapter of Luke 10. Absorb and marinade in the heart of the message here. We all struggle to hear Jesus, be kind to ourselves and others. Help us heal where we were not loved as we should have been loved. Help us develop that restored core of knowing nurture, compassion, and empathy. Yes, even for the most hardened of us.
The healing power of Jesus restores over and over again the wounds of the past. Come Holy Spirit, inspire us to seek healing of mind, body, and soul. Show us your vision of charity and love for each other. In love, guide us to respond in gratitude, returning and reflecting your blessings upon a wounded world.
The work can wait, the love must flourish first. We cannot do anything good without our God as our source of life and love. Root out all internally holding on that is not of God’s life and love. We cannot do it by our power alone, but in the name of Jesus, His will can be done.
Lord forgive us all for our past decisions. Let us hear how you know our hurt, wounds, and suffering. Heal us so we may love as you ask.