I am reading A More Christlike Word by Brad Jersak as part of a study group I am attending. I am going to be sharing some of my reflections as I read the book. Here is my ninth reflection:

Are you the only one who hears from God, pastor? How do you determine who hears from God and who doesn’t? Oh that’s right, you determine if they hear from God by how what they say matches up to your interpretation of the Bible. How convenient.

That is circular reasoning. A logical fallacy.

And a complete waste of time to argue with. In my experience.

And unfortunately I have also experienced that those people are more than willing to cut off the conversation, if not the relationship, in favor of their unwavering thinking. No room for real, logical discussion. Just circular reasoning that leads to insane conversations if you go there.

The major thing I see missing from these people is humility. Maybe they are puffed up to try to protect themselves. Maybe they really do think they are better than me. Than us. But I trust Life will give them a smack upside their ego when the time is right. I know I can’t be the only invitation they have received towards the next step on their healing journey. They have to fight it continually.

And then it will come. SMACK. A big dose of humility. Of humble pie. That’s why boasting and being prideful is not conducive to collective healing. I haven’t always been great about this. After being beaten and kicked around for so long. I wanted at least to have my say. But God didn’t work that way. God is only ever about care. The Great Physician. So I pray, Jesus please help me keep the door open. As was done for me. All the years I didn’t fully believe. Let me be the person they can talk to. Let me not return shame for shame. Oh that my dears, is so much meekness. That only comes by the strength OF God. Our human hearts have hurt too much to naturally go there so gracefully. But I think that’s what your heart will know as greatest truth once you really start understanding what Christ did and does for us. How Love, not acceptance of abuse, but Love is always the end goal. Healing and restoration. Not enabling abusers. But also seeing them as people that Jesus loves. You can’t even do that on your own. Especially with those that have hurt you. I’m not even asking you to. We don’t even have to have the f- conversation. That horrible word they have misused so many times with you – forgiveness. No, that isn’t on the table here. I’m just saying take it all, ALL, to Jesus. Honestly. Raw. And start there. That’s all I’m saying.