The Lessons I Took Too Long to Learn – Part I

That Love Covers a Multitude of Sins (And Other Things)

“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” Luke 6:36-38 (MSG)

Some things we do in life we enjoy rehearsing because the mention of them brings us a pleasant memory and makes us feel good all over again. There are other things that we wish could go to the grave and never be resurrected again. As I bring some of these issues to print – they fall in the latter category. The words of a testimony I heard years ago still ring in my ears – “when you tell on yourself, the devil can’t blackmail you!” When you tell your own story, the devil can hold you hostage. And as much I would like to forget my faults and failures – they were just as much a part of my development and growth as were my successes.

I grew up around women who were extremely critical. Most of them were in a great deal of pain because of the men in their life. They coped with life and their pain by criticizing others – somehow hoping to feel better about themselves. What I didn’t know until many years later, was that I had developed a critical spirit – only I masked it with my analytical skills – feeling justified that I wasn’t criticizing people or situations, I was analytically looking at them (a rose by any other name…). Also, what I didn’t know was that for every criticism I extended toward others, I was framing that environment for myself! I was creating a web where I was under self-imposed scrutiny and judgement, and what made it even worse – it was open to public view in my role as a leader.

I can’t tell you the exact season that God began to show me this – or who led me away from this path – because it was over a course of many seasons, and God used many people to assist me in recognizing this spirit – for indeed a critical, judgemental attitude is a spirit that can be cast out of your life and can be replaced with love as God loves, and eyes that see what God sees – which has an entirely different view of human nature.

One thing about this spirit – I had to want to be free! I had to be honest with myself and honest with God. I had to confront the criticisms that would rise up, and face them for what they were – sometimes they were just plain jealousy! The good news is – I have put this spirit under my feet – and when it tries to rise its’ head – I can usually see it and remind it where it belongs.

God is a deliverer – and the greatest deliverance we receive – provides the opportunity to receive the greatest blessings in our lives. It pays to be free!

God Bless You This Lord’s Day!
Maria

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