She Lives Encouraged

I don’t know where to start. This one is tough.

What I have seen and have heard this past campaign season to today has been quite disappointing and appalling. I do believe it has been for you too.  I have been silent because I didn’t know what to say to make anything better or to encourage you when I have been discouraged myself.

And I’m not talking about the candidates. I’m not talking about our President-Elect. I’m not talking about any party.

I’m talking about you and me. I’m talking about “We the people”. I’m talking about my fellow Christians and believers in the Lord.

I witnessed yesterday, people feeling defeated, torn down, discouraged. I witnessed yesterday, people feeling victorious and proud.  I witnessed on social media the tearing down of others, the arguments and disagreements that are at an impasse that have resulted in torn relationships. Friendships ended. Family and relatives torn apart. And yes, this has been going on for too long now. It needs to stop.

What can I do? Where do I start? I prayed. I prayed some more. And I prayed again. “Lord, what can I do? What can I say?”

But this morning, as I woke up and the moment I opened my eyes, the Lord gave me something…for every single person on this earth. For every single person feeling victorious. For every single person feeling defeated. Maybe you’ve been asking like I have: “What can I do to make things better?” or “What can I say to make things better?”

Here is the answer:

Ephesians 4:32   “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate), forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (nlt)

This scripture encouraged me so much because this is what all of us need to do, especially as Christians. And it starts with me as an individual. And it starts with you. The following actions are needed for everyone to do, to give and to receive:

1. Be Kind
2. Be Tenderhearted which means to Be Compassionate
3. Forgive one another

Be kind in words and behavior. Very simple. Sometimes not. We can be so opinionated and  we want to persuade others to agree with us…to come to “our side” and to see “our view”. But sometimes it just doesn’t work out. We end up offending, when perhaps it wasn’t even our intention. All we wanted to do was convince someone to agree with us, but we wouldn’t stop…no matter the cost. If we can just take a moment before we speak, before we write and ask ourselves: “Are the words I want to say or write edifying? Will they build up or will they tear down?” The answer to these questions will tell you whether to speak or stay silent (which can be the hardest!!)

I encourage you today, starting today…BE KIND to each other. Forget about all your knowledge and your opinion. Put them aside…lay them down in all humility…and be kind.

“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and over all these virtues put on love which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12, 14 (niv)

Be compassionate…having disagreements is okay. But be compassionate. Be tender hearted. Having disagreements that lead to an impasse can happen; but be compassionate with each other. Have understanding for the other person who may not agree with you and instead of judging or condemning, extend an arm of compassion and as the saying goes “agree to disagree”. I saw too much judging and condemning others because of differences of opinion and/or party affiliation. But, as Christians, it is not our duty, nor are we called, to condemn or judge. My Savior, Jesus Christ, did not come to condemn the world, but to save. How dare I or anyone else condemn someone because of differences of opinion, belief, party affiliation, and the list goes on. I encourage you to show and be the example of God’s love through your actions and through your words. Trust me, believe me, it is so much better! You actually sleep better at night and your mind isn’t tormented over arguments and disagreements.

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”  John 3:17 (nkjv)

Forgive one another. It is no secret that reconciliation needs to happen with each other. Lots of wounds need to be healed. Words from harsh tongues have flung out like stones which have damaged friendships on social media, or face-to-face, and the list goes on. But with all humility, forgiveness must take place for reconciliation to mend the friendships, the family and relatives that have been hurt. It takes humility to ask for forgiveness. And it takes humility to accept forgiveness as well.

I don’t know which side you are on. And by “side”, I mean I don’t know if you’ve been on the receiving end of harshness or if you have been the offender. My friends, sometimes we don’t realize how far we’ve gone in what has been said until it’s way too late. However, it is never too late to bring ourselves to the other individual and say five powerful words:

“I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

I want to encourage you all today and remind you that we still live in the beautiful country of the United States of America. We still live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. We must now all apply these scriptures and actions they call us to do. We must. The actions above have never hurt anyone, nor have they torn anyone down.

And we must continue to pray. Pray for our country. Pray for our President-Elect. Pray for each other.

As I was given these scriptures the moment my eyes opened this morning, so was this song immediately after. I’ve been singing it all day and I think it goes right along with what I’ve shared with you today.  A song that I haven’t heard in a very, very long time, but rings true.

Put A Little Love In Your Heart
by Jackie DeShannon
Think of your fellow man
Lend him a helping hand
Put a little love in your heart
You see it’s getting late
Oh, please don’t hesitate
Put a little love in your heart
And the world will be a better place
For you and me
You just wait and see
Another day goes by
Still the children cry
Put a little love in your heart
If you want the world to know
We won’t let hatred grow
Put a little love in your heart
And the world  will be a better place
All the world will be a better place
For you 
And me 
You just wait
And see, wait and see
Take a good look around
And if you’re looking down
Put a little love in your heart
I hope when you decide
Kindness will be your guide
Put a little love in your heart

Jesus said the following:

“Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” John 13:34

My friends, I encourage you to remember to look around you and encourage someone today…put a little a love in your hearts and theirs. God bless you!