One of the hardest things about devoting yourself to loving on and encouraging people is that friends and foes initially look the same and are often hard to distinguish between until you bear their wounds.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Friend or Foe?
One of the hardest things about devoting yourself to loving on and encouraging people is that friends and foes initially look the same and are often hard to distinguish between until you bear their wounds.
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I really needed to read this. I just broke off a friendship- a "Toxic" one as you called it. It hurts because she bullied. I was empathetic and could not see that. 10 years have went by. I prayed God show me her true self. I prayed he guide our relationship. I prayed a LOT. It keep getting worse. It was God who showed me that she in fact really was not a friend but a "Nosey" person who loved gossip and loved to place her own judgement and critical opinions on others. Once I was open to hearing God..... it clicked. I am focused on him and I am leaving all distractions aside. I have left our church of 11 years. I have felt his presence in doing so. Thank you Barb. Although I have forgave, I think the hurt will remain.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your heart, friend! Whether or not you realize it is for the best it does still hurt. I think it is often people we tend to invest the most in who can betray us the most and those wounds are deep.
ReplyDeleteI was just cleaning the kitchen and was reminded that even though Jesus KNEW Judas would betray Him, He still treated him like all the rest. He loved him, encouraged him and allowed him into his inner circle. That would be hard to do if you knew what the outcome was going to be. It is a good reminder to me, though, to focus on people and loving and encouraging them and not on the potential hurt that may incur!!
I will pray for your wounded heart and ask Papa to remind you how deep and abiding HIS love is toward you!! Know I am here if you ever need to talk!
Blessings!!
I am humbled by your comment, Barb... I have a friend who I have invested so much love, caring and encouragement into... (and even tears) and have been hurt time and time again by her. I want to say "I no longer care" so she cannot hurt me anymore. But that's not what Christ would want me to do as you have pointed out. This perspective came at the perfect time for me. For they will know we are His by how we love...
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing, Rachel!! Praying for you, friend!!! XO
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