Do you know what I am asking of you? I am asking you to be a loving person, compassionate and humble, even to yourself. Let me helpand your days will be filled with the peace that passes understanding. Don’t think you always know best. Your thoughts are not my thoughts, nor are your ways my ways. Don’t think your main job is to criticize and correct others. Give them some space. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment by deciding you’re entitled to anything on this earth. When you feel sorry for yourself, it blocks others from feeling empathy for you. Let love be an ember in you that never goes out. Warm yourself on it and allow others to warm themselves too without judgement or censure.
Near to the Heart of God
DiVoran’s Promise Posters, Paintings from Go West as well as other art can be purchased as note cards and framable art
My dear student,
You ask me why you sometimes feel you do not measure up. You read the Bible and you love it, but so often you come across “convicting” passages that tell you how much more and how much better you could be doing. It feels to you as if you have spent your life reaching for acceptance. Sometimes in the Christian community you are urged to win more souls, do more for others, give more, and love more. You know that no matter how you pray, work, or try, there will always be sins of omission.
I have a few questions for you to think about.
Why do you want so much to please other people?
Why do you want to follow every rule and law that comes along?
Are you afraid of that part of yourself that wants its own way?
Are you afraid that if you aren’t good enough, you’ll hurt people or miss helping them?
Are you afraid troubles will come upon you that will overwhelm you?
Are you afraid that when you really need me I won’t be there for you because you haven’t been good enough?
You might have to answer yes to all those questions, but there is one thing I want you to know and I will lodge that knowing in you because I am the healer and I want to heal you.
You are good enough.
In more “spiritual” terms: … if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are made new. You are in Christ. You are a new creation. The Bible is full of passages where I say good things to and about you.
Here’s one of your favorites: “Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD listened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought on his name.” Malachi 3:16
Listen to me, and I will tell you wonderful things.
Confess trespasses into other people’s happiness, and I will give you a fresh start.
Forgive others for their mistakes and I will bless you abundantly. To forgive is to: Lift up Bear Pardon Cover Let pass Hide Wash Purify Let go Show yourself gracious
