I wrote in yesterday’s post about pushing some away. By this, I was so on fire for the Lord and hungry for every verse and knowledge I could find! I was so excited and wanted everyone to share in His Grace!
In talking with others, I found that some had been in similar situations and in their joy or their walk with The Lord, they too had been ostracized. I tried to place myself back a step when I too did not quite understand. I knew God had a plan for me and knew it was all in His time. I recalled His being with me every step.
Right after I was baptized, I made many changes that went against my former Catholic religion. I could not go to another mass knowing that they literally turned the bread and “wine” into Christ and kept sacrificing Him over and over as the Bible warned against. God specifically said in the a New Testament that some sacrificed Him over and over and that was not good.
The wine they used was fermented and His Bible was specific on everything being non-fermented. There was too many wrongs and I had to be right when I faced Jesus. I looked back at the years I spent as a Catholic and tried wearing those old shoes to try to get a better understanding on how to help my family and friends. I even bought a book on how to communicate with Catholics.
I had to learn how to calm my excitement for The Lord without being too pushy. That was really hard for me because there were some who made me feel inferior to them and I pined away many times. Looking back now, I sure wish I had been smarter and braver. I know as of today, I have grown so much more in His way and think on those conversations. I wish I had been stronger then as I am now!
Strength comes from The Lord. I cannot change what others think, but I can give His Word as it is and perhaps it will touch just one heart! Arguing had been a common thing with a few and that is not what He looks like. I was a strong arguer, but now I consider myself a to-the-point and matter-of-fact discusser.
As in any relationship, arguing will get you no where. I had been at that point because I was so intent on spreading His word correctly, but I laid it out too thick. Arguing causes rifts and there were a few. I grew with The Lord and He began to lead my conversations in a loving tone. But, I did learn to be firm about what He said!
I have learned that if it hurts some, then it is convicting their hearts. I remember, and still feel, that anger for being led astray. I was mad! Every Bible I read, and over and over studying, showed more to my soul than ever before. It took time digesting and patience was needed on my part. And if you remember one of my earlier posts, patience was one of my downfalls.
So many want to find Jesus. Many are confused, searching church after church like I did. Some just settle and others know right away where they belong. I knew where I belonged and at this Church of Christ, I get the word right in front of me! I see it for what it is. The preachers are amazing and give it like it is, no add ons or changes to pacify; Just, His word spoken like it should be!
When you talk to each other, be sure not to belittle the other as I was belittled. Don’t push just gently explain. And, be sure to be a good listener. I was determined to get my point across, but back then, I didn’t listen because I came from that prior religion and I knew better. But really I didn’t know better to let the others express when I hounded my own thoughts.
God’s love is for all and each grows at their own pace. As adamant as I was, I failed to be a good example. God gave His best example and that was a His Son. If it weren’t for Jesus, I would not have been awakened nor found His way!
