A ZEAL BORN OF GRATITUDE
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.” Revelation 3:19, ESV
Theme: Loving correction, if humbly accepted, can ignite spiritual fervor.
THE WOUND
In peacemaking, the initial hurt may be large or small, but the festering wound left behind causes deep hurt and disease (dis-ease) in the relationship. After a time of seeking both God and godly counsel, there comes a time for dealing with the issue. It always hurts. There is usually fault on all sides and blame pointed at all parties involved. With God’s help and the Spirit’s conviction, real and lasting healing can take place.
When reconciliation occurs, it needs to be protected until the relationship is whole again, like a surgical scar or broken bone. There is a passion and zeal to protect this fragile and precious relationship that was almost lost.
INTERVENTION
When we struggle with sin, God can and will discipline us for our own good. He is not like an abusive parent, punishing because His anger is out of control. Instead, He disciplines and reproves to help us see our sin and error, and always so that we see a way back to Him.
The obstacles He places in our path may keep us from harm or a spiritually dangerous choice. The loss of a job or the betrayal of an unkind friend are sometimes consequences of life. Yet they are sometimes God’s hand of discipline and mercy to move us out of a situation. Though hard to see at the time, it is for your good and your rescue.
USE YOUR RESCUE
Allow your hurts and God’s rescue from them, or His forgiveness of your sin, to ignite your love for Him. Take time to thank Him for intervening and getting your attention. Thank Him for always accepting you back into a right relationship with Him. Like the woman with the alabaster jar, realizing your sin and His great mercy should ignite great love.
And share your story! People will be so much more willing to hear how God has redeemed your mistakes, failures, and grief than about how great or smart you are. Your successes can bring about envy. Your trials will bring about connection and the opportunity to share Jesus.
Make It Personal: Is there a story of how God has saved you from selfishness that was threatening your family? Or an addiction? Or the anger or cattiness that hurt your relationships? First, thank God for His rescue. Then allow it to fuel your passion to share His rescue with others.
Pray: Father, I know You are a Good, Good Father. Even when I am angry at You or feel distant, I do know in my heart that You are working all things for my good. I know You are disciplining me to bring me back to Your heart. Stir up a passion within me: a great love for You for all You have done for me. Then help me to share my story to draw others to You, also. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Luke 7:36-50; 1 Timothy 1:15
Weekly Memory Verse: “So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16, ESV