Another great night at Life Group!!!

Keith and I were back in God's house tonight (it's nice that everyone is healthy and we were able to get back to church tonight). The sermon was wonderful as it was Part II of a new series --tonight's message being "Breaking Free From Depression." I'm truly thankful, that for now anyway, I have broken free of that. This message gave me new insight though into what to look for should I find myself there again.

Life Group was where the "meat" was tonight though. Our study began in 1 Timothy 1: 1-11, and as usual, we got off on a topic of discussion: confronting others with sin or things that we feel need to be confronted. I have dealt with this particular topic very recently so it was good to sit back and observe and listen to what other christians and scripture had to say. It was good to read that when we do or say something, in the name of love, we need to make sure of 3 things: 1. it needs to be done or said with a pure heart 2. it needs to be done or said with a clear conscience 3. it needs to be done or said with a sincere faith. Paul was teaching the people of Epheusus about false teachings and was saying that people do and say things in the name of "love" or in the name of "God told me to" when really there's an alternative motive. Someone in our class mentioned that in today's world, people don't like to be confronted with their flaws and sin (I can certainly relate...almost two years ago someone confronted me with all my sin, and they were right. It hurt, but I didn't retaliate or defend myself or say mean things back. I reflected; that reflection is what has led to changes in my life: losing weight (proud to say 25 pounds since November), more patience with my children, speaking up for myself when I need to, etc.... ) She also mentioned that when we, as christians, confront others in love, our christianity is often questioned. This due to a world that expects perfection from christians. How thankful I am that "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able, to keep that which I committed, unto Him until that day." ( I love that song:) I am not perfect but I am redeemed.

At the end of the day, I must be able to look at myself in the mirror and KNOW that I have not ridden the fence, I have not been tolerant, I have not been grey. I am learning to not be hot headed and fire back in retaliation, but say things in love, and let things go. I'm learning to forgive, and that feels good.