I keep a journal. After I read verses in Scripture, I address my journal writings to God. I think better on paper. I know God can see what I am writing. Besides, He knows a word before it is on my tongue. But I read it back to the Lord after I've written it, because I believe he loves to hear our voices. If you have children, you know what I mean. He gave us voices for a reason or we would only have to think something to convey information. He refers to our words and speaking all though Scripture. He spoke the world into existence, so He must see power in the spoken word.
Today I was reading Matthew 11:28-30, and the topic for me today was "Humility." Matthew 11:28-30 is as follows:
- "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, any you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
What people want deep down in their core is love. To be loved is to be valued, even though we think we have so little to offer. To be understood, even in places where we can't give voice to what we are thinking. To be encouraged even though we commit messy mistakes. And to know just how to give that kind of love to the many personalities in our lives.
What people want is genuine love. It's hard to come by. Our love is so conditional, even when we don't think it is. My Aunt Phyllis once said to me that, when people say they love you, they mean only at that moment. Their feelings can change on a dime. Something is said, or something happens that can turn the energy of love to anger or even hate.
This world is getting further removed from Jesus, and therefore, His love. We should pray that He would help those of us who know Him to be His agents of love in this world. We need to ask in each individual case to know what to think, do, or say to be His love to that person. Jesus is humility personified. That's is why he could love so easily. He always put others first.
I get angry with people and their differences and I make that personal. When what they need is love. They need Jesus' love because mine is lacking. They don't always know that they need His love, but they do.
I am asked the question, "In what way does your understanding of your identity relate to the issue of humility in your life?" Maybe I never got enough love, praise, or acknowledgment as a child growing up. I looked for it in all of the wrong places. I promoted myself when no one else would, and did it in positive and negative ways. That is until Jesus came into my life. I haven't arrived. I'm still learning. But I can feel His love. And He's proud of me. I'm understanding how I can now love others, not because of who they are, but because of who they can become.
