Living in the Spirit
June 12, 2015

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:6-17

From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! –2 Corinthians 5:16-17

This scripture describes well the cliché, it is easier said than done. Just yesterday, I had to deal with flashes of distrust about a person who some time ago treated me unfairly. I no longer have any formal relationship with this person who is held in high esteem by many. I actually think I understand why he did the things he did from a psychological viewpoint and recognize that he is blind to the hurtful nature of his actions. I know I am not the only person who has been caught by his crossbow. Because of that, to a degree I can feel agape love for him, not unlike Jesus did looking down from the cross saying, Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing. (Luke 23:34)

I have not yet enter the realm of being able to love him as a sibling, which I think would more adequately reflect the love within a community needed to foster the Kingdom of God among us. A big part of my reaction is the result of either not allowing God to heal the hurt still written on my soul from that relationship or not realizing/accepting it has already been healed.  I wonder if the day will ever come when I might run into him at a meeting and this history never cross my mind as I greet and chat with him. I have had that happen with others later, realizing what had happened thanked God for the return to wholeness in the relationship. Until we can reach this point we cannot be conduits of wholeness for the other who needs it also.

Prayer: Lord, let your transformation continue to flow through me. Make me whole so that I can more fully be a part of your oneness. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.