Lessons from God

Good Morning Girls

Today is link up day with Good Morning Girls on the James Bible Study. I've been learning so much in this Study and in the wonderful ways of the Holy Spirit, I find that I am actually being led down a path that brings the application of this Word into my life.

Last week, in James Chapter 2, we learned about judging others and being merciful to them. We learned in James 2:8-11 that we must keep the supreme law of scripture, which is to love our neighbour as we love ourselves and that to break even one commandment makes us sinners. There is no "degree" of sinning. A sin is a sin, whether it be murder, adultery or.... not loving our neighbour. I found that astounding!

Even more astounding was how God chose to bring me to a place of recognition that I was not pleasing Him and that I was, in fact, breaking this particular commandment. To be merciful includes forgiving others, even for grievous hurts. This is not an easy thing to do.

Last week, even as I was studying these words of James, I came face to face with someone who had caused me a great deal of  heartache and, whose actions, I believe, had repercussions in my life for years. I had put that situation from my mind as the years went by and, when I did see that person, off and on, unbelievably, in church, I would pray for God to give to me the strength to let go. Recently, every now and then,  I have seen her in the church I attend every day. When I have, I pray and I thought I was in control of those past emotions.

This time, when I saw her, I felt such a pain slam into my chest. I felt immediately that God was showing me that I was still holding on to unforgiveness. I went before Him and I was shown that I had not yet let go and I was still feeling bitter and resentful. The Holy Spirit chose to bring that woman into my little place of sanctuary and force me to face what was hidden deep within my heart. It was no coincidence, I know, that for the next two days I saw her. She even sat in front of me when I went to Church. Perhaps, God is also speaking to her heart.

I know that His Grace and mercy are for all, including those who once walked a different path and did not honour Him.  This is what St James speaks of  in James 2:12-13 "Talk and behave like people who are going to be judged by the law of freedom. Whoever acts without mercy will be judged without mercy but mercy can afford to laugh at judgement". If I cannot forgive, I am not being merciful. The Just Judge will judge me according to my own acts of mercy.

This week in James we are learning about how faith must be accompanied by action. It is useless for me to say that I have faith, if I do not act with faith. I have faith that God will take care of me in any situation, so my action is to surrender my life into His hands and to go where He leads me. He is leading me to perfection. He wants all of us to let go of the things that keep us from being whole.

So far, He's shown me that I need to guard my tongue, that I need to persevere in my faith and that I must not judge others. He has shown me that I need to be merciful, to forgive others and that I must not be a hypocrite who pays him lip service, while my actions remain so far from His Word. It is not easy to learn these lessons. In fact, it is a constant struggle between my human nature and selfish desires and wanting to do the will of God.

I wonder what marvels He has in store for me this week? Whatever they are, I pray that I will have the courage to face them and the strength to apply them to my daily living as God continues to keep me in his potter's hands, molding and shaping me. I pray that you, too, will have the courage and strength to keep learning the lessons that our loving God keeps teaching us.

May God's blessings and graces be with you