Today we read 1 John Chapter 2. I missed the discussion because I was late and didn't get to read it with the whole group, but it was essentially about abide in the Lord and holding his commandments. It says not to succumb to the pleasures of this world, but to walk like God and to hold him in your heart. Furthermore, it said to love thy brother and that whoever does not love thy brother does not know the Father and so much more. I really enjoyed this chapter because I feel like we're always looking for new solutions and new techniques etc, and that's for so many things in life, we're always looking for a new method not realizing that sometimes all we need is right in front of us. The same is with the Lord. The answers to all our problems is in the beautiful big book we call the Bible. The old commandments are still in place and prominent and sometimes we just need to be reminded of what we've already been taught or know. Some of the points that stood out to me the most were about kindness. We will be remembered for how we love one another and how we show up for others, and I really want to tap into that kindness more. Showing up more, supporting more, and just having people see God when they see me. I want to be forgiving, compassionate, and understanding like God even when I don't want to or even when it seems like it may not make sense to. I want to be this way because this behavior may be exactly what leads someone to Christ. I want to be this way because this is how God is with me, and I am a sinner who is no better than the next person. This obviously goes to an extent and boundaries must still go into place, but overall I want to be more like God. I want people to see that God is in me when they see me. I want my behaviors, my words, and my actions to reflect my love for God. That's still a working progress, but it is a goal.
After that point, we discussed knowing when to give and show up and do things out of kindness, but also knowing when not to do things so you're not being taken advantage of. I struggle with this and have this dilemma so often because I want to show up for people and do nice things for them, but they're often things I truly don't want to do, but at the same time I don't want to be selfish. One thing that stood out that was said was how anything we're rushed to do, we're not supposed to, but also to remember what our priorities are. Sometimes we feel the need to do things out of compulsion or reluctance, but that's not what God wants us to do. (2 Corinthians 9:7) We have to ask ourselves who are we serving. Are we serving the Lord or are we thinking that we're serving the Lord but trying to serve others and please them? It is important that we work out of OVERFLOW and that nothing we do is draining or exhausting us. Anything that is draining or depleting you, is not for you. Remember it is a privilege for people to see God through you, but do not forget that they are also His child. He can get to them if he wants to, you're savior complex of thinking that yyou not doing this one thing is the reason why they're not connected to Christ is FALSE. There must be part influence and part desire to want to have that relationship. Patient love is important. Patient love doesn't require you to run around trying to serve people.
The last few fragments that really spoke to me were about intentionality. Intention for what we want, what we pursue, the things we do, etc. Remembering our priorities when we're in pursuit of our desires. And last, but certainly not least, have faith that God will give you what you need and that everything you're meant to have or anyone who you're meant to have a relationship with, will find you!
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