Fickle Pickles...

 

We Humans Can Be Very Fickle Pickles….

 

We humans are quick to embrace and praise others (friends, family, co-workers, neighbors etc.) when they say things we agree with and or make us feel good about ourselves, right?

 

But when the same people say things that may challenge our narrative or threaten our egos, we can become very defensive and even offended. When this offense happens, we let go of our affectionate relationship embrace and usually cut off all communication.

 

Usually, these "perceived challenges" to our narratives and egos come very innocently, inadvertently and many times from the Spirit of truth. However, for some innate reason(s) we take things the wrong way. We want people to be patient with us and show us grace when we fumble, but we are quick to forget that they are just as human as we are if we think they made a fumble. We reject the fact that what they are saying that pricks our hearts, just may be what the Holy Spirit wants us to hear but we can't or won't hear it.

These offenses can be huge opportunities for spiritual growth and maturity if we truly value relationships in the Body of Christ. Sadly, I think we treasure other things as more important. Things like personal image, knowledge, our charisma or position in life. For this reason, these offenses can be opportunities for the enemy of our souls to put stumbling blocks in the very relationships God wants us to have. Some relationships that may seem awkward or uncomfortable at times may be the very ones God wants to use to either sharpen us or smooth out our rough edges. The fact is the Body of Christ needs each other to heal.

Sadly, we are not taught or know how to have calm honest discussions about disagreements or misunderstandings any more. Tempers fly easily when we feel like we are being crossed. We react more like hornets ready to sting rather than bees gathering the irritating pollen to make honey. The enemy knows this and uses it to divide the Body of Christ.

 

I also believe brothers and sisters that these offensive 'triggers' we all have to some degree , stem from insecurities, fears, unresolved trauma and some other soul issues we haven't brought to the cross.

Jesus loves you, accepts you, holds you, supports you, affirms you hears you, understands you, appreciates you whether you believe it or not. Whatever is missing or lacking through old soul wounds from your past or present remember the words of David...."Though my mother and father forsake me, the Lord will take me in." Psalm 27: 10

 

We all have to learn to bring our offenses to the cross. We are wise to pray for those who offended us and see what God may say to us about it. We may be the one in the wrong. If not, He will show you how to reach out in love to the brother than offended you so you can gain understanding. This takes real humility and agape love-The Fruit of the Spirit.

 

At the end of the day it's not a matter of who is right and who is wrong...it's a matter of grace and love.

"Therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. " Ephesians 4: 1-7