Living in the Spirit

July 17, 2022

Scripture Reading:

Luke 11:1-13

And he said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.” And he answers from within, “Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.” I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’ –Luke 11:5-13

How do we respond faithfully to these scriptures and meaningfully help a loved one dealing with addiction? Bread I would give them even knowing that they would sell their soul for opioids. At some point like the prodigal son, we must let them go, praying that, knowing that God is with them, and at some point, they have the spiritual breakthrough to return home to the God that loves them and can heal them. Indeed, we need to be ready to meet them with open arms when they find themselves as God created them and when they long to shed the weight of the world and put on the robes of God’s gracious love.

We, too, must remain engaged with God as we strive not to judge but to love, and otherwise grow in wisdom and truth learning how to ask for the right responses and knock on the right doors.

Prayer: We thank you, Lord, for giving us your Spirit to guide us through life’s challenges.  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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.