As Above So Below

Last month marked 2 years since I was baptized. It has been a journey since that day seeking my relationship with God and learning the teachings of Jesus. A joy filled and hard journey. It is hard to purify your life and your heart when you so desperately want to believe that others are the problem, not to mention accounting for past pains and wounds that block you from seeing the truth of what is good and what isn’t. It is a journey of the mind and God is with you every moment when you seek him, try to understand his word, and surrender to the holy spirit.“ See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”

Lately I’ve been contemplating the concept of grace again. How to extend it in every circumstance all while protecting myself from others who abuse it. It all has to do with my actions, the things that are within my control. If someone continues to break promises, it isn’t that I punish them. I continue to extend the grace and understanding Jesus so lovingly held for others and continues to hold for me in my imperfections. Instead I shift my expectations. I no longer continue to ask expecting a different outcome but rather I move on and do for myself. A relationship is a connection and an agreement between each other, if one isn’t living by this tenant and instead always insists on their way it becomes unhealthy.  Sometimes these misunderstandings are out of a genuine miscommunication and with others it’s deliberate (as they are living out of fear and judgment- for God is the ultimate judge and in him we have no fear). Eventually with time it will become easier to discern between the two. Above all I put my faith in God that he knows every heart and is working within those who seek him. Matthew 7:16-20: "You will recognize them by their fruits. So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits". When we as God’s people live out the Fruits of the Spirit it produces goodness in our lives and those around us. It showcases to us what is good fruit and what is bad making it so much clearer to see God’s kingdom. Extending grace to ourselves and each other as we fall short is an essential part of seeking God’s kingdom. James 1:19-20

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires". You can do all of this while living out kindness, self control, gentleness, patience, goodness, faithfulness, peace, and above all love. Take nothing personally, love each other equally, and live out these principles and watch your life transform. We can not expect perfection from each other at this stage of our existence. 1 Corinthians 13:9 "For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away." The perfect will come when Jesus returns. The important message is to purify your heart and mind as much as you can and give grace in those instances where you can’t. Pay attention to the fruit that your tree and those around you bear. Pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Do not seek perfection in worldly systems and affairs rather have faith he uses it all for the glory of His Kingdom and people. No matter what, He always provides. I love reciting the Lord’s prayer every morning for it gives me strength and guidance throughout my day. So I will leave it here for you now as we reflect on how we can live out God’s truth:

"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins. as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation. but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours. now and for ever. Amen"