Disappointment

Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:10-11

For me, this has been a week filled with disappointments...  Yet again, I have learned that sometimes people will let you down or hurt you - even those you are close to.  Funny thing, is, my personal devotion yesterday touched on the very subject of disappointment.  Again, God beautifully orchestrating circumstances according to His wonderful timing. 

When others hurt or disappoint, we can ALWAYS count on God for understanding, unfailing love, and forgiveness. I'm comforted knowing this promise. He understands when others don't - or refuse to understand. He forgives when others criticize, complain, falsely judge, or gossip. He loves when others hate. He is there in time of need when others aren't. He is your company when others ignore you.  He is ALWAYS with us and, unlike people, will NEVER forsake us.  What an AWESOME and AMAZING GOD we serve!

So then, what should our response be?  To love others in SPITE of what they have done.  Why?

• Because Love covers a multitude of sin.  (1 Peter 4:8)
• Because if we hate, we are in darkness.  (1 John 2:9)
• Because love covers offenses, while hatred stirs of quarrels.  ( Proverbs 10:12)
• Because loving each other is the full expression of God's love in us.  (1 John 4:12)
• Because God said so. (John 13:34-35)

We are to also encourage one another.  How?

• By making everything you say kind and uplifting.  (Ephesians 4:29)
• By reminding others what God can do and wants to do through and for them.  (2 Chronicles 32:8)
• By complementing others for a job well done.  (2 Chronicles 30:22)
• By helping others keep a close relationship with God.  (1 Samuel 23:16)
• By sharing God's instruction and offer loving correction.  (Titus 1:9)
• By avoiding gossip, negative critcism, and guarding your tongue.  Gossip is erroneously judging others and speaking about others for things you know nothing of.  (Matthew 7:1)

Our words and actions should be edifying, designed to build up others.  Having a critical spirit or negative attitude has no room in godly relationships.  To overcome this tendancy and build others up requires us to be willing to forgive others as He does. To encourage others as He does. To be there for others in time of need.  To love others as He does.  To understand others without flippantly assuming anything.  And we are to do all of this IN SPITE OF whether they have done the same for us or not.

And when you are disappointed like I have been this week, remember, we can "Give your burdens to the Lord and He will take care of you."  Psalm 55:22

Grace and Peace, Friends!

In His Love, Cathy