I really don’t have time to write this post, but I am driven to share. As some of you know, it has been a season of verbal assault against my family since this fall. Some moments, I feel more mature and can actually feel pity for these people. Other times, like NOW I feel stirred up — even though I know it isn’t right.
Romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
It is much easier to quote this scripture than actually do it. Can anyone else relate?
I was reading in the Psalms this morning and I saw this:
Psalm 26:9-11a
Gather me not with sinners and sweep me not away [with them], nor my life with bloodthirsty men, In whose hands is wickedness, and their right hands are full of bribes. But as for me, I will walk in my integrity; (Amplified Version)
When I read verse 11, I realized one of the reasons I have such a struggle. Is it just me or do you hate it when people stab you in the back, yet they are all smiles and hugs when they see you? I CAN’T BE FAKE LIKE THAT. To me, that does not show integrity. If you don’t like me, then don’t come around. Ya know?
I have been amazed that one of the very people talking the most trash about my husband had the nerve to call him and ask for a favor. You guys, I am S T R U G G L I N G!!! I wanted to tell him where to put that item he wanted to get from us. Argh. I’m sorry, but that really is how I felt.
The “F” mountain is the MOUNTAIN OF FORGIVENESS. Scream! I guess I’ll have to keep going around this well trodden place until I get it right. I bet there is a ring of my foot prints around this mountain. Just call me Israelite Elizabeth! Sigh.
Am I any better than these people? Well, I haven’t stooped to their level, but other than that — no. I guess I’m not.
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
So someone, please pray that God wash over my heart in this area. I need to feel His love for these people.
If you read my post about “my plan” you know that I am fasting each day. Well guess what, there is no “getting away” with anything when fasting. This stuff surfaces and must be dealt with.
I appreciate your prayers.
Yes, friend, I am praying for you…
Praying for you Beth. For you have such a lovely spirit. And I know exactly what you are going through. And I always have to remind myself of that Forgiveness verse!
Many Blessings,
Becca
Im praying for you….hang in there!
It's my pleasure to pray for you.
Praying for you dear sister.
Oh, Beth, it is so hard to die to self. It is so hard to have people be rude behind your back and sweet to your face. It's even harder when you have the opportunity to bless them but your flesh says no.
I do believe in accountability and consequence. I also believe that there are times when we need to confront someone about their behavior (I hate confrontation).
If I recall, it hasn't really helped in your case, has it? I will pray for you, my friend! Love you!
I'm praying, sweet Beth…I have a ring of footprints around the same mountain. Our family knows all too well about back stabbers. You and I need to talk sometime.
Hugs,
Beth
God's way is always hard…not because in truth it is hard but because our flesh gets in the way! Been there many times so I can totally relate. Praying for you and your family. Praying God will give you the desire to forgive – no, I'm praying you will receive the desire to forgive that He is already extending to you!
God bless you sweet sister,
Debbie
You never, ever have to ask…prayers are being lifted up on your behalf. Makes me think of a saying my best friend and I used to have when we were in high school…"Kill 'em with KINDNESS!" Hard as it might be, it works!
My friend I will most certainly be praying for you. This FAKE stuff is running rampant now. It's everywhere and it is so sad!! Like you, I am trying to be so careful to make sure I'm not being FAKE..but sadly, I'm not always successful.
You are a wonderful, strong woman of God, He will be faithful to you.
Love and hugs!!
Deb
Beth,
I'm sorry you're having to go through all this junk. It's our "human" nature to defend ourselves when we feel attacked, especially when it's unmerrited. And as your friend, it's hard not to want to attack with you! But you're right, God allows the things in our life to bring out the deeper issues in our heart that He wants to exchange for His Divine Nature. I pray that the same peace that Stepehen had as he was being stoned to death, and the same glimpse of Heaven that allowed him to say 'Father, forgive them' will guide you through your trial. Please don't allow any lie of the enemy to stick to you, and know how much you & your family are loved.
Praying for you, my friend. As always:)
Don't know the details of your trial with these people but I'll be praying for you Beth. It's hard when you don't deserve it. But then I think of all that our Lord went through on this earth and He deserved none of it. I don't mean to belittle your trials in the least though. Because it hurts for sure; been there too. But pray for those who persecute you. When you pray for them, it actually changes your heart. We aren't in control of their actions; only our own.
Love you,
Debbie
Keeping you in prayers…specifically about this. May you be filled by His Spirit and be nourished by His 9 fruits 🙂
Love to you sister.
Sis, you have my love and many prayers. Stand firm in the Lord.
HI Israelite Elizadeth you know you are a better person than that. turn the other cheek, give them your cloak.you know God's word better than me.I know it hurt's when family are being attacked been there had it done to me many times over my life.when we can give it over to him he can bring peace.and look at why these people are attacking you and your's.more often than not their feel why should you be blessed and look for any way they can bring you down and when you get down you play into their hands, when they see no wrong with themself's. so like God's word tell us to be bigger in our forgivness.It easy let it go but you know that. look at them in a new light that they need help. Love and God's blessing to all the family and that he give's you all His peace and joy.
I will pray, as I know how you feel. I am struggling with those very things, and dealing with this person is more aggravating each time I see them. I'm not sure what to do. I've forgiven them in the past, many many times, and each time they bring up more garbage that has nothing to do with anything, and it drives me insane! I've prayed, I've deliberated, realized I shouldn't bother, prayed again, and it is such a problem.
I will pray for you. I will pray for myself too. The Mountain of Forgiveness can be daunting.
Hi Sweet Friend,
I love you and I'm thinking about you. My prayers are with you dear one.
Peace, Comfort & Blessings,
Alleluiabelle
(((Hugs)))