I just had a refreshing divine revelation this morning. How LIBERATING it was! I realized how those around me whose response toward me appears to be a kind of jealousy, rejection or discard, you know, those people who find it hard to celebrate you for whatever reason, well, I’ve discovered that ALL of these individuals literally have similar personalities and their walk of faith is also quite common. Now, I say this not to cast judgment or to find fault with them, it is simply just a fascinating revelation to realize. These are individuals who have a character very similar in nature. In contrast, those who freely accept me and are a blessing in my life are people who are also similar in nature and their walk of faith in many ways is comparable with my own. You might be thinking, “well, that is true with everything…” “Birds of a feather flock together.” Although, what I’m speaking of is more of a “spiritual dynamic.” As I wrestle with those “necessary” relationships in my life (you know, the ones that matter), of those who oppose me, I’m now realizing that there issue is not so much a matter of circumstance as it is a matter of the heart and spirit. This commonality in spirit is not an accident nor a coincidence. This is a spiritual disposition. Because this is so, it is important for me to take note and free myself from the confusion and responsibility of guilt that they imposed upon me through their inconsistency, unkind acts, controlling, manipulative, and competitive nature.
Do you have people in your life who are like this? I believe we all may have and in particular if you are someone who is intentional in following God’s will for your life and allowing his transformation to take place in your heart, mind and spirit. This vain disregard is indeed a common thing. It is the unfortunate flaws of our human nature and we need God to help us with it. Sometimes, people will oppose your spiritual growth and development through their opinions and judgements in an effort to define your worth and they will even attempt to impose their opinions onto others. This is most common when dynamics of control and competition already existed in the relationship whether you realized it or not.
Well, today I thank you Lord that you are opening my eyes to see even more clearly the issues in my life that bear a heavy weight. Every opportunity you move me further or rather, higher in matters of conflict and offense of this kind, your fresh revelation gives me freedom and the ability to breathe and I am ever so grateful. You are empowering me to live with their offense, yet see it through a “spiritual lens” and still love them at the same time. That is your miraculous power! I no longer have to be offended nor care about their personal offense against me. I’m realizing that their offense is really not based on anything substantial other than the spiritual dilemma of which we are simply two people who do not walk in spiritual agreement. Jesus said, “my sheep know my voice” (John 10:27). I would think this would be a voice that even comes from his own people. We should recognize his voice in one another. We should speak the same language. This should give us great joy when we come across other believers who bear the spirit of God genuinely. If this cannot happen, there is a wall of division (this is a clue) and that wall identifies the areas where we do not walk in agreement. You see, real conflict requires an issue and if there is no real issue (and in my case, I have much more legitimate reasons to have issue), then there is no real conflict and all that remains is a spirit that is not fully aligned with God.
When matters of the heart cannot be resolved properly through the ministry of reconciliation as Jesus has given to us (2Corin. 5:11-21), then our offenses are left to find healing on its own, with God. This process commonly takes a lot more time but the process (as you can see) is far more deep and rich in God and we are wiser, stronger and better for it in the long-run. God has established for me a new life with these individuals, a life with boundaries and peace. Now, for them, it may take some time getting use to this “new me,” but if my actions are consistently genuine and in love, we will continue to grow and flourish on a new level of respect and understanding, this time in a healthy way.
I’m sure I have not seen the last of these types in my life but it is a blessing to know I am growing more confident, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to not apologize for the boundaries and standards I walk in during matters of distrust. It’s times like these (in God) that he affirms me and empathizes with my journey and I am always so deeply grateful for it. So, I will continue to guard my heart and walk in wisdom and love towards my enemies. This is what the word of God instructs me to do and now, even more, I believe I understand how and why God has suggested that we do this. It is because this is REAL LIFE! It is “REAL CHRISTIAN LIVING.”
Matthew 5:43-48
New International Version
Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Learn more about how to live beyond offenses with a “Skills for Life” peacemaker training for individuals, couples, groups, and churches.
Karen Gaithers-Life Discipleship 