Here are two things that you may find to be true in this life and probably helpful.
First, as surely as you live on this planet, there are some natural human tendencies that you must consciously bridle. Some of them are not necessarily evil but watching out for them and exercising restraint over them will help you live a happier and more productive life.
One good example, is moderating your feelings towards those who leave your church, fellowship or group—whatever it is. It's not uncommon to feel a pinch of hurt or betrayal when someone leaves—even if you are not the leader of the group they left—it can feel hurtful.
These facts may help you: If someone left your group, it may not mean they've missed God's plan for their lives. Now, there are times when people are supposed to stay connected to certain other people and ministries in a lifelong sense; I'm not talking about that kind of case here.
People who leave your church don't have to become your enemy overnight. It will shock you that God is not a registered member of your church—or any church/group for that matter.
This emotion is sneaky; I've found myself thinking about people who left my group at various times and thinking, how they may not amount to anything. You may not even know when you secretly start waiting for their downfall or disaster to prove your point. You may need to remind myself: they only left.
God may be doing something utterly incredible with their lives in another direction—and if they're missing it, I hope his mercy reaches them and sets them straight.
Secondly, it is good to learn that multiple seemingly opposing factors in a case can be true. Underline SEEMINGLY.
Sticking with our church Analogy: a person can leave a group and not hate that group or the ministers there. These two don't have to be mutually exclusive.
This is why we can love our parents dearly and still know what they told you the last time you went home is bad advice!
Don't be that kind of simple, where you can't make sense of multiple factors like that. I can block you and not hate you. I may just not want the attitude of your thoughts around me at the moment.
I guess this second thought can be explained better but then...
First Posted: 15/02/2020 on Facebook
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