Barry Bonds reminds us, "Everyone in society should be a role model, not only for their own self-respect, but for respect from others." A role model lives as though everyone sees everything they do. In truth, there is a lot we do 'in private' that others don't see, but the 'parts of us' on display through our words, actions, and emotions is often what others will emulate or follow. We owe it to each other to actually behave in such a manner that will make others behave at their best, as well. O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood. Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. (Psalm 71:5-7 NLT) Our life stands as an example to many - like it or not. The way we behave can actually cause another to desire Christ in their lives. If our faith is ingenuine - mere religious p...
Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. (Proverbs 17:9 NLT) We are reminded that, "When you forgive, you in no way change the past - but you sure do change the future." (Bernard Meltzer) The past is riddled with failures - both ours and those that were committed by others. Some deeply affect us, while others are easily forgotten, hardly even being mentioned in the first place. Deep pain can be felt when there are wounds as a result of those missteps in relationships, but they don't have to be dwelt upon. Instead of dwelling upon them, we need to get them out in the open, let go of the offense, and bind up the wounds with prayer and love. It could be said that forgiveness is so hard because the hurt is so real. I would challenge that with the truth of love being just as real. Hurts happen - healing is likely to happen if we stop 'picking at the scabs' all the time! The moment we choose to not forgive someone, we are choo...