: John Brooks
: The Unforced Rhythms Of Grace
: BookBaby
: 9781543949582
: 1
: CHF 10.50
:
: Christentum
: English
: 200
: kein Kopierschutz
: PC/MAC/eReader/Tablet
: ePUB
We live in a time where we are pressed on every side. Weary beyond words we struggle on in the name of multi-tasking. The more things we can pile on our plate each day the more productive we believe that we are. But the truth is that God is not impressed with our to do lists, and long resumes of accomplishments. Instead, He grieves for us because we are missing the one thing that matters. A true, real and unforced relationship with Him that is available to each of us through His Son. Learning the unforced rhythms of grace is the one thing that we cannot neglect to do if we are to be disciples of Jesus.

CHAPTER FIVE

 

CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO SETS OF TRUTH

 

 

 

Trust is a fragile thing. In some cases it is given freely as a gift, but for the most part it is earned drop by drop. It is a precious thing that cannot easily be replaced once lost. An apology, although heartfelt, will find it difficult to soothe the searing pain of the wound caused by a betrayal. The pain that accompanies a violation of our trust can last a long time, and due to its very nature it will try to find a home, hiding deep within our hearts.

 

This pain will manifest itself in our ability to freely believe what others say. We will find that without our permission it has taken over a part of us, causing us to question the motive of every word and action by others…….. and even ourselves.

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Allowing ourselves to trust again in something or someone can be a very difficult thing for most. It involves a hard choice. To let go of the pain that has been our companion for so long, and to risk being hurt again. I once heard a dear friend say, “trust is akin to freely taking my sword and handing it to you, with the understanding that you may use it against me.”

 

Although unconditional trust, faith, love and compassion are tenets of the Christian faith, this doesn’t make it easier for a Christian to exercise these virtues. We are all human after all, flawed beyond recognition…….. and struggle with these issues. For most Christians the fact remains that they find themselves, “caught between two sets of truths……..unconditional love and impending judgement.” LarrySchuse

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The unconditional love of God is somewhat of a mystery to us. When we think of love, it seems that there are always some conditions………I will love them as long as……….I will trust them until they betray me. I could go on but I’m sure you get my point dear reader. Unconditional is a word that is almost too big for us to wrap our minds around.

 

When Jesus looked upon sinners, without exception he saw them through the lens of compassion. He didn’t point his finger and draw some invisible line in the sand, that if they were to cross it there would be no turning back. As he was nearly beaten to death, spit upon, and hung on a cross that would claim the remainder of his life, his words, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing,” came from a heart that only knew unconditional love.