Only about half way through November and the month has already brought several critical lessons. One which has been in the front of our mind is our need to love one another.
It is good for us to realize not only our great need to love one another, but how often we fall short of doing so.
Our hearts will have us believing we love well and better than most. So recognizing that we fall short is not necessarily a bad thing.
But our hearts will also condemn us. And that is the beauty and wonder of the Gospel and of the work of Christ in our lives.
“We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. (1 John 3:19-20, NASB)
He reassures us of the completed work of the Cross. He lifts us up from the weight of guilt as He boldly declares forgiveness over us.
As we rely on the Holy Spirit, we are equipped and enabled to love well, love fully, and love authentically.
Reading in a commentary, I found this very profound thought:
“When we refuse to love in action and truth, God who is greater that our hearts in kindness and generosity, motivates us to resist the hardness of heart that would refuse to show compassion to those in need.”
(New American Commentary, Vol. 38, page 164)
God at work in our hearts is greater than our hearts. He has the ability to override the meanness that would otherwise be displayed. He truly is our helper when it comes to loving those who are difficult.
We can get so ruffled up about interruptions. Yet life, more often than not, does not go according to our plans. How we forget that we are not the author of the plans. In her post, His Time … Not Ours HERE, Pam Ecrement wisely reminds us: “God uses interruptions to alert us to see something we did not notice.”
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Your following statement is profound Joanne;
“God at work in our hearts is greater than our hearts. He has the ability to override the meanness that would otherwise be displayed. He truly is our helper when it comes to loving those who are difficult.” Amen!
Blessings sweet friend, Jennifer
‘God is greater than our heart and knows all things …’
What a life-giving truth!
This is something that needs almost constant work in my heart. I am thankful God is patient.
Truth like this provides a much needed perspective on the big picture. We will be known by our love—not by how “right “ we appear to be.
Joanne, this is a profound truth: “God is at work in our hearts, and our hearts are greater than our hearts.” I’m so glad we can lean into His love, and He will give us the grace and strength to love others, even the difficult ones.
Micah 6: 8 is been on my mind and in my heart often these past several days and your reflection today echos God’s message to us all. Thank you, Joanne!
“As we rely on the Holy Spirit, we are equipped and enabled to love well, love fully, and love authentically.” Truth. Thank you, Joanne.
On two occasions I encountered angry strangers this week that stunned me. One softened in our exchange. The other didn’t. John’s verse reminds me that we’re responsible for our behavior, not theirs. If they don’t receive our offering of love, it doesn’t mean we failed.
Oh my goodness this is so true! The heart is deceitful. And I am reminded how much I need to be sharpened and shaken by the truth of God’s word.
“Our hearts will have us believing we love well and better than most. So recognizing that we fall short is not necessarily a bad thing.”
Thank you for sharing this today.