3.19-Listen to those love you and correct you as to how to strengthen others.

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3.19-
I am learning slowly to listen to those who love me and correct me as to how to strengthen others.

I’m not actually stronger than others as I want to pretend at times. The truth is that I’m like some of Jesus’ other disciples, Judas and Peter, I fail. I fall down. I need to turn back. It is in the turn back that there is an opportunity to strengthen others.

Luke 22.

31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”

34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

I think that my strength is what strengthens others.

Jesus thinks that my failure and weakness and return to Him is what strengthens others.

Paul wrote the same thing.

1 Timothy 1.

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

So when we have failed to measure up and we see we need to turn back to God, keep in mind that this can be a blessing not only to us but to others if seen as God sees it.

When I’m listening to those I love and hear their hurt I want to see where I can plug in my own failure moments to identify with them and bring us both into the reception of God’s amazing grace for His children.

Larry Wishard

3.7.19

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