Over these last weeks filling in for Andrew I have come to know the God-given support group that has sustained him. I have become aware of the intellectual and spiritual base of friends that have taken precious moments of the day, their life, to lift up Andrew in a journey no one would choose, few would accept, and most would find a way to hide.
Weekly I have pondered each thoughtful, sincere, warm comment as individual responses and a whole. If most of you haven't figured me out yet, I specialize in data analysis. So hear goes my brain again.
Jesus called His closest followers Friends. Not loyal subjects or servants but friends. Why friends? He's God! The angels in God's realm are loyal, but Lucifer and the angels that followed Lucifer prove that loyalty can change. Many of us know how that has been evident in our lives.
Jesus didn't say His followers were dedicated. Although loyalty implies deeper commitment, dedication is less permanent and changes from one authority figure to another.
Sirach 6:14 states: A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter: he that has found one has found a treasure
A faithful friend, a true friend? What does it tell us about our Creator, if friendship is the endearing quality that strengthens relationships? Why does He favor that quality over any others? What factor changes the relationship?
Love is something that blooms from a more basic beginning. Acceptance! Not tolerance, Acceptance. Jesus accepts us right were we are, all our faults, shortcomings, failures, misguided steps. To be in relationship with Him we must also accept what nature and science insists is impossible. That Jesus died after withstanding an excruciating death process. (By the way, the word excruciating means from the cross. A word had to be created for the tortuous death). He came back to life in a body that was so maimed and in a tomb for 3 days. That He walked the earth and continued to prepare His Friends for an even greater ministry and then ascended, physically ascended from this earth. Another natural and scientific phenomenon.
Acceptance of the unexplainable, we become in relationship with God and then with others. Acceptance is foundational, then the building blocks of Dedication, Loyalty, Love, Steadfastness, etc. take place.
Once we accept the unexplainable, the acceptance of one another, and working in God's plan should be easy. Guess what it's not. Acceptance is foundational which means it must be used everyday.
What flaws in ourselves must you accept? What flaws in those in your daily life must you accept? How do you love/be dedicated/show loyalty to yourself first so you can love others better?
It is our calling as Jesus' friends to be a faithful friend even to death.
Music from Casting Crowns, with Jesus, Friend Of Sinners:
Barb, I so appreciate your words here. it's always been a little bit amazing to me that God would call us friends. I am not always faithful to Him, or loyal, or strong-hearted. But, He gives grace (and sometimes a swift kick . . . ), and He continues to love. So, too, should I love those He places in my life. With His grace, and with Him helping me see others through His eyes, acceptance becomes a little easier. Usually. ;) And I am thankful for those who accept me with my flaws and idiosyncrasies.
ReplyDeleteI am beyond thankful for the gift of friendships God has given me. I count Andrew and you among them. I continue to pray for the both of you.
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ReplyDeleteJeanne, we all get a swift kick. My Mom shows up being an agent and gives me reminders too. In my adulthood I counted her and Dad (who is still with us on earth) my best of freinds. Now in my so called later years, development of friendships are weighed against their long good influence.
DeleteAmong the inner circle Andrew and I have, our blog family is a grace gift we didn't know how to ask or pray. God must assuredly worked in mysterious ways forming our bounds.
Bless you, Andrew, for your faithfulness. May you know the love of God the Father, Son and Spirit on this holy day.
ReplyDeleteAmy, thank you. Today was a productive day for Barbara. We've been waiting for a day to burn much of the yard item from the October tornado, she made a really good dent. Typically Good Fridays get windy, but not today. She had a blast being outside, it her stress relief.
Delete'Jesus, friend of sinners'--I am that sinner in need of a friend. May he always draw me to the cross and show me ways to accept others.
ReplyDeleteAnita, amen.
DeleteLove this! "Acceptance not tolerance". Blessings to you especially this beautiful weekend heralding our Living Savior and Friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Remembrance ofvOur Lord's sacrifice and resurrection keeps us humble and steadfast thru out journey.
DeleteI am so glad we can be those faithful friends for one another. We may be a gift to you and Andrew, but you also are a gift to all of us too.
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DeleteTara, thank you for the reminder that we are All working the same road to eternity, supporting one another
DeleteBeautiful words! Acceptance and loyalty are both such important qualities. Praying that you both know hope this Easter in the one who has conquered death!
ReplyDeleteLesley, we are confident in our Savior and His daily Providence, no matter the overwhelming circumstances.
DeleteBeautifully written!
ReplyDeleteJanet, thank you. Happy Easter!
DeleteBarb and Andrew, Not only do we gladly accept you two as friends, we in this group are all so blessed to call you our friends. Love accepts faults, even as Jesus accepted us. May you both find peace that passes understanding this weekend.
ReplyDeleteCarol, thank for accepting us. His peace is present, the challenge is to look for its presence sometimes .
Deletestill praying for both of you as you walk this difficult path.
ReplyDeleteMartha, thank you. Peace of Easter be with you.
DeleteMarie, thank-you for your weekly encouragement. We are happy to be apart of the ragtag community.
ReplyDeleteWell done, Barbara. Interesting subject, too. Friendships can make a huge difference sometimes.
ReplyDeleteNorma, Good friends are the stress relief difference sometimes.
DeleteIt is amazing God would call us friends. We confuse those two words so often, acceptance and tolerance. God accepts us, but that doesn't mean he lets me live as I choose. He wants me to grow and become more like Him. And yes, for me it is so hard sometimes. I have to settle the truth every day to treat others as Christ treats me. Thank you for these well thought out thoughts Barabara. I am learning to put my thinking in writing. You do quite well. Have a blessed day!
ReplyDeleteBarb, I always learn something. EXCRUCIATING? I had no idea. xo
ReplyDeleteSusan, I learned it Fromm favorite teacher Bobby Schueller. His Grandfather Robert Schueller and the entire church ministry has been building blocks of my spiritual life.
DeleteIt's a hard thing, but I'm grateful you have stepped in and continue to write for Andrew. What a precious gift to him and to us!
ReplyDeleteMay God bless you as a friend and a beloved daughter!
Lisa, thank you. I know our voices and experiences are different, but I am grateful I can add to the experience of our blog family.
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