BIG OCTOBER BLESSINGS Blessing Those Who Don’t Deserve It
In today’s post about praying BIG blessings, I will touch upon a topic that can be prickly for some—blessing those we feel don’t deserve God’s blessing. I hope you’ll read on …
Jesus’ words may be easy to accept theoretically or theologically, but they are much more difficult to implement personally. As I contemplated them and chose this photo of a Florida October sunrise while preparing today’s post, I thought about this portion of The Lord’s Prayer:
Thy kingdom come; thy will be done
On earth as it is in Heaven.
Is it possible that when I am willing to forgive and then bless those who have hurt me in any variety of ways, I am in fact allowing a bit of the culture of heaven to be accomplished this very day, right where I live?
Today’s post is written from a variety of experiences—some observed and others I’ve lived. Over several years working with people and listening to many stories, I have noticed three different areas of hurt that make it particularly difficult to live out the words Jesus spoke in Luke 6:28:
Abuse perpetrated by parents, close family members, or spouses.
Woundedness inflicted by other Christians or the faith community.
Political passion—frequently fueled by fear.
If you can relate, I hope these photos from Ron, words from the Bible, and my reflections will be a source of blessing to you.
Since mid-term elections are in a couple weeks, let’s begin with the government. This photo was taken at the New York State capital in Albany on an idyllic October afternoon.
Paul to his protégé, Timothy: "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
1 Timothy 2:1–2 (NIV)
The other day, I came upon a curious verse, which God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah. It seemed pertinent, especially if an election’s outcome doesn’t mesh with our convictions. He is writing to people who were carried into captivity by the very evil Babylonians. It feels as if God may be suggesting his people find ways to build bridges—even with their captors.
"Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."
Jeremiah 29:7:
Blessing those who have inflicted deep pain upon our souls is a process of learning how to forgive while not accepting or excusing abusive behavior. We must learn how to set healthy boundaries and keep ourselves and those we love safe. While I’m convinced it is both vital and possible, this type of soul work takes time. Professional help as well as loving friends and supportive spiritual mentors are invaluable resources to help you and me step into whole-soul wellness.
Why put in all this effort? A verse from Galatians 5:1 helps me. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Clinging to deep wounds from the past, toxic relationships, unhealthy comparison, fear, anger, and hatred create soul-slavery. Every time I step into the freedom Jesus taught and died for, I experience a level of transcendent liberty. Rather than one and done, this usually is like the process of peeling an onion, one layer at a time.
Most importantly, the more soul work I am willing to do, the more I become a reflection of God’s great love.
There is one vital point I want to make in conclusion. God is righteous and cares about justice. While I agree it takes a lot of faith, when I trust fully in God’s character, I can be assured that at the right time and in the right way, God will bring to light and deal with each human being according to a divine standard of perfect justice.
"Therefore do not judge anything before the appointed time, wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart."
1 Corinthians 4:5
I’m asking God to bless every part of your heart—especially those places still plagued with pain.
BIG blessings on your journey,
