All About GOD - Growing Relationships with Jesus and Others
sympathy does not require scars.
To have sympathy does not require scars.
For empathy however, that’s one of the components.
There are things that are very difficult to understand, w/o going though them.
Not impossible, yet problematic at best.
We can have sympathy for another, based on our love though Christ for them.
And I do agree, Holy Spirit can give us an appreciation, towards another.
But empathy born from “brothers in arms” if you will, is a powerful tool.
It seems a whole lot easier to receive help, even just a “word” from one who has been there.
But, how can we know they have, we don’t get merit badges, to sew on.
And it can be counterproductive to tell your story again and again.
A lot of the times however, there are “key” words we can identify with.
Not always and despite best intentions from the most qualified, it will always come down to this.
We have to want to change, we must desire not to stay in the same place.
I’m not talking “clicking heels three times” and all is better.
Nor that we can healed just like that.
But we have to want better, we have to believe that it’s possible to start.
Once we do, the fog begins to clear, and we can see all those hands reaching out to us .
So many of the words begin to make sense.
I know as well as anybody, when we hear someone say, “you have to want to change.”
Those six words can sound the meanest and the hardest words ever spoken.
That is because when we hear them we think... well we think all kinds of things.
But the one thing we can Not read into those words are, once you want to change you change.
That is just the start, the first steps.
Everything we learned to do was a process, our first steps, our first words, etc,.
People all around us were walking and talking, before we knew how.
One of the reasons we learned how to, was we wanted to express our needs and to keep up.
We had to want those things, and for most of us, we were encouraged by those around us.
Hope this is taken that way alone. Just trying to encourage.
For empathy however, that’s one of the components.
There are things that are very difficult to understand, w/o going though them.
Not impossible, yet problematic at best.
We can have sympathy for another, based on our love though Christ for them.
And I do agree, Holy Spirit can give us an appreciation, towards another.
But empathy born from “brothers in arms” if you will, is a powerful tool.
It seems a whole lot easier to receive help, even just a “word” from one who has been there.
But, how can we know they have, we don’t get merit badges, to sew on.
And it can be counterproductive to tell your story again and again.
A lot of the times however, there are “key” words we can identify with.
Not always and despite best intentions from the most qualified, it will always come down to this.
We have to want to change, we must desire not to stay in the same place.
I’m not talking “clicking heels three times” and all is better.
Nor that we can healed just like that.
But we have to want better, we have to believe that it’s possible to start.
Once we do, the fog begins to clear, and we can see all those hands reaching out to us .
So many of the words begin to make sense.
I know as well as anybody, when we hear someone say, “you have to want to change.”
Those six words can sound the meanest and the hardest words ever spoken.
That is because when we hear them we think... well we think all kinds of things.
But the one thing we can Not read into those words are, once you want to change you change.
That is just the start, the first steps.
Everything we learned to do was a process, our first steps, our first words, etc,.
People all around us were walking and talking, before we knew how.
One of the reasons we learned how to, was we wanted to express our needs and to keep up.
We had to want those things, and for most of us, we were encouraged by those around us.
Hope this is taken that way alone. Just trying to encourage.
Views: 104
Comment
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Comment by Evangeline on August 22, 2011 at 3:01pm
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I have learned to appreciate, more and more, the attributes of God. He has transformed my life. It has become a lot easier to respond to people who are critical, and not hold a grudge. Holding grudges and being judgmental are characteristics that needed to go. God used my problems to refine me like gold.
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Comment by a servant (Chris) on August 22, 2011 at 9:27am
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not sure we always know. In another post, I had said healed is something new for us. It is unknown
how to be. I think we have to be honest and know our Father is there for us. And He is so gentle and patient w/ us.
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No offense taken. Good discussion. I don't really understand, but in ways I do, why people don't want to be healed. I know various problems can be used as an excuse to do nothing. I'm just not sure why anyone wants to stay stagnant, in some cases miserable. Maybe it is easier than taking the risk to let God change his life.
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If in anyway I offened. Please forgive. I know the struggle all to way. It was not my heart.
In the Love of the Lord. Chris
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Amanda,
I agree. Plus, God's timing is perfect.
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The most important lessons I learned from people who kept telling me that I needed to get right with God, was to not condemn, but forgive; to more clearly listen to God's voice. All of the things that He allowed into my life, He has used to grow my faith and understanding, and to teach me to pray. A big bonus, He frequently gives me opportunities to encourage others, to give a cup of cold water to the thirsty, and share the gospel.
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Comment by Grace by the Lake on August 21, 2011 at 6:48pm
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I agree Evangeline! Some in my path were stumbling blocks as we'll yet God strengthens us through that as well. Everytime this happened to me it helped me see and hear God's TRUTH more and more and taught me more about what was HIS WAY and what was not. I am seeing now that it was one way that God helped me grow in Him. Forgive them,they know not what they do!
Romans 8:28 and we know that for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose. Also: Philippians 1:6 and I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. So you see , most times those situations God will turn into good when we keep our eyes focused on Jesus. We are all growing sister Evangaline :). God continue to richly bless you in your journey with Him!
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Evangeline
I am thankful of the Grace of God everyday I live.
And I Praise God for you and where you are.
I comdemn no one, that adds nothing, it only cost us all.
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I would agree that to change, you have to want to. But, if you have not walked in my shoes, don't tell me I can change if I want to. The changes I made in my life were only by the grace of God and His power at work in me. He used people who had the capacity to be empathetic, not necessarily people who had "been there, done that". They were people who cared. Of course, a key component was the Bible and the power of the Holy Spirit in me. The major roadblocks came from other believers who condemned.
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You are absolutely correct! It is like I once said on this site about two years ago "if your child is playing in the middle of the road, do we allow thw child to keep playing there?" Or do we love and care for him enough to teach him of the danger of playing on the road." We can't just say "oh, it's ok , keep playing on the road and I will just keep an eye on you. " Now THIS is a good word the Lord has given you to encourage. God bless you in all you do and are in Jesus Name. In His Grace, Nancy
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