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Word Filled Wednesday

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This verse was in my daily Bible reading this week and stirred my heart:

serena-darien-stubborncolor-1My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.  James 5:19,20 The Message

Each of us are born with a free choice and free will.  When those we know make choices that we don’t agree with, it may be easy to be critical and judgmental.  It may even be tempting to tell them “I told you so” or “You wouldn’t listen to me” etc. 

This verse brings about an attitude of not just forgiveness, but that all correction should be with the sole purpose to restore those who have gone astray.  Instead of just letting them go, there should be some action to go after them and lovingly point them in the right direction. 

This action of the heart may apply to a minor infraction or to a willful rebellious act.  God is the One who forgives and restores but the attitude that paves the path to Him should be covered with grace, hope and love.

May we always be mindful to look out for those who need a special touch of God’s love and hope.

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 10, 2010 at 11:35 AM

    Amen, may we all so lead.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lisa notes...March 10, 2010 at 11:49 AM

    You are so right. I'm often tempted to say, "See! If you had done it my way, this wouldn't have happened." But, oh, how horrible that attitude is, and it is destructive. Thanks for the gentle reminder today from scripture.

    ReplyDelete
  3. LisaMarch 10, 2010 at 12:35 PM

    Great WFW and one we should all ponder when tempted to judge.

    Hugs,
    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  4. loriMarch 10, 2010 at 1:17 PM

    So well said...why do we resist the urge to "go after them?" This is just a wonderful reminder to me personally today...

    thanks for sharing!
    peace,
    lori

    ReplyDelete
  5. HeatherMarch 10, 2010 at 2:02 PM

    Great thoughts Joyce!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. LeAnnMarch 10, 2010 at 3:52 PM

    So true. Makes me sober minded.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AprilMarch 10, 2010 at 4:04 PM

    Well said. Thanks for the reminder!
    Blessings,
    April

    ReplyDelete
  8. NicMarch 10, 2010 at 4:42 PM

    WOW! What a great interpretation of this scripture! I really like it! :-) That gets a huge AMEN!

    ReplyDelete
  9. KarenMarch 10, 2010 at 11:25 PM

    Amen...beautiful reflection on this verse....

    ReplyDelete
  10. LaurencitaMarch 11, 2010 at 2:15 AM

    yes, you are right it should be done with love and compassion.

    ReplyDelete
  11. BridgetteMarch 11, 2010 at 10:23 AM

    Terrific post! Visiting from Talkin' Thursdays. Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  12. ❀~Myrna~❀March 11, 2010 at 1:08 PM

    Amen, we need to speak the truth in love . I think our attitude in such a situation can make the difference in how it is received.
    Blessings,
    ~Myrna

    ReplyDelete

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