I actually did it. I obeyed.
For about three years now I’ve had one underlying prayer. Teach me to love like you love, full of grace and mercy. He has patiently brought opportunities and I’ve failed. Over and over he has picked me up in my defeat and washed me again with his cleansing.
Truly, the choice to love often conflicts with my turbulent feelings. So quickly I can defend my rights and then revile out of wounds that hurt sore. My heart has this tendency to harbor that burden of bitterness and justify the ugly in me.
But through faith in his promises and by his absolute great grace, he’s bringing freedom. Ever-so-slowly I’m learning to choose love’s path.
The other day, I obeyed. I laid down that record of wrongs. I turned towards, and not away. And love overflowed — him in me willing and doing for his good pleasure. (Phil. 2:13)
Then just like that, my soul found restoration. His Spirit confirmed in mine, “Obedience brings healing, my child.” Love brings healing. Love. is. healing. That forever key.
These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you,
and that your joy may be full.
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.
John 15:11-14
Fill me, Lord…
His commands are given for our freedom — for our good. How have you experienced the blessing that comes through obedience, even if obedience seemed contrary to your emotions?
Beautiful post…I would love to learn to do this more…to turn toward HIM and away from my emotions….I’m working on it….and I did it beautifully a few weeks ago…now, to make that a constant habit!
I’m with you — wanting to make it a constant habit. Isn’t He so very patient with us?!
That loving turning toward and not away, sometimes with feet that feel like lead, is truly the key. I love that picture…so perfect! Thanks for the reminder today, Lara.
That loving turning toward and not away, sometimes with feet that feel like lead, is truly the key. I love that picture…so perfect! Thanks for the reminder today, Lara.
Yes, lead feet. I suffer from the same ailment at times.
beautiful lara. for me … the blessing in obedience comes in the strength of Him. when i can quiet myself {and flesh}, there is miraculous peace that washes over me in walking with Him. He fills that place of “giving in” in only ways HE can fill … things of heaven, not of earth.
i pray for a day when everyone … everyone can understand and feel this peace!
Thanks, Tracie. I was just lingering in Philippians 4 this week. I love what Paul says, “The things you have learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Peace comes from His presence. What a gift.
Oh, Sister, yes! I know exactly what you’re talking about. For quite a few YEARS I struggled with this very thing. Human emotion always won. Until I *finally* learned that I couldn’t control the situation–or the person. Only God. When I got that through my thick head, God opened my heart to love like I hadn’t known before then. I’m really thankful for it, too. My perspective changed on many things that day. Great post!
Only he can do that, huh. I tried to do it on my own for too long. It only comes through the surrendering. Love to you, friend.
In answer to your question, I have found that sometimes I don’t want to forgive someone. I’m hurt; My feelings are all over the place. But I pray through keys of forgiveness out of obedience, and then find that my feelings follow through afterwards. Then I pray through keys of forgiveness again and it’s from my heart. Each time I forgive, healing flows. And it stems from obedience. 🙂
Such a great image, Kelly. Will ourselves to forgive, choose to forgive, and emotions eventually follow behind. Thanks for sharing.