A few years ago I regularly volunteered at a rescue mission. While there, I worked closely with the Pastor who over saw the location. As I watched him, there were some occasions I thought his temper was too short and he was too harsh. Of course there were many people there who needed help, but he would daily encounter people who were trying to take advantage of the system, harm other residents, or didn’t appreciate the help they were getting. I didn’t know the Pastor when he first started his job…how hopeful he was to make a difference…how passionate he was for those who were in need, but it was clear that dealing with negative, evil people had since hardened his heart.
There have been times that I willingly bought food for people in need on the street, but other days, because of people who were clearly trying to take advantage of my kindness, tried to ignore those who are in need.
Jesus made a powerful prophecy for the last days. He prophesied that BECAUSE of evil, the sincere love of many will grow cold.
Matthew 24:12 (NKJV)
12 And because lawlessness (sin) will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
Has negativity, dysfunction, racism, violence…evil ever made you angry?
Do you have a family member or friend who has given so many chances to change that you don’t feel sorry for them any more?
Has being mistreated made you feel justified in disliking, or even hating someone?
When people seem to confirm negative stereotypes, does it push you towards racism?
Have those who abuse systems designed to help cause you to lose compassion for those who are truly in need?
Have you found yourself to love less? Be careful, because it can lead to being loveless.
The devil wants to use the evil in the world to harden your heart. He wants to find the right button(s) to press to make you the mirror image of that you see as evil.
Please don’t let allow the bad in the world to harden your heart.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
A difficult balance here for we are also told, ‘Do not throw your pearls beneath the swine.” Yet, we are to have the wisdom to know the difference. Hard to do if one is angry.
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That’s right bro! I pray for discernment every day.
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Very well stated & something I needed to be reminded of. Thank you! ❤
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God bless you:-)
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Timely post! IWe, (a group of 4-5 women) have been involved in street evangelism for over 12 months. Seeing most people’s mockery of Jesus, His message and add to that the ones that try to preach to us like Catholics, and JW’s has caused me lately to react by asking them to move along while telling them I am not interested in what they have to say. For instance today, when I asked someone to go away I didn’t want to listen to his mockery of Jesus, he started yelling back at me, and a gay male joined him in the abuse. Would you say my love is starting to grow cold.?
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Not necessarily. Just be very careful that your frustration doesn’t lead to it. Tell them in a friendly way that you are already a believer, or maybe engaege in conversation and plant a seed in them yourself, or pray with and for them….especially if they are sincere.
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