❤️. This week, I am working through old thoughts and feelings about my dad. My dad was wounded. And I am not sure he ever felt loved. When people drew close, he pushed them away with his words and actions. If you built a bridge, he eventually burned it down. My sister and I learned a conditional, odd sort of love growing up. We are wounded still.
Empty hands, open hands. There is something about your picture. Empty hands mean, “I have nothing to give you”. Open hands mean, “Come, let me welcome you with my open hands, open arms. The second requires an open heart.
THANK YOU for the context, the thread of intersection every week between lectionary readings.
Your comment today - “So much religion begins with obligation. Do better. Try harder. Become worthy. Prove you belong here.” - opens my eyes to the way I was formed in my church, and how I’ve continued to carry this.
While I am opening myself up to God’s love as shown in Jesus’s grace, compassion and help, I also believe Jesus did bear the punishment for my sin, and by His stripes I am healed. Jesus’s sacrifice for ours is the ultimate gift given out of God’s love for us.
I believe both statements are true. God is abounding in love and mercy and also righteous and just. Jesus demonstrated all of God’s nature/character for us.
It seems like people often gravitate toward one side or the other, God’s love or His judgment. Jesus spoke about both, but his actions were overwhelmingly compassionate and full of love and grace. Again, thank you for opening me up to this truth. I appreciate you!
❤️. This week, I am working through old thoughts and feelings about my dad. My dad was wounded. And I am not sure he ever felt loved. When people drew close, he pushed them away with his words and actions. If you built a bridge, he eventually burned it down. My sister and I learned a conditional, odd sort of love growing up. We are wounded still.
Empty hands, open hands. There is something about your picture. Empty hands mean, “I have nothing to give you”. Open hands mean, “Come, let me welcome you with my open hands, open arms. The second requires an open heart.
THANK YOU for the context, the thread of intersection every week between lectionary readings.
Your comment today - “So much religion begins with obligation. Do better. Try harder. Become worthy. Prove you belong here.” - opens my eyes to the way I was formed in my church, and how I’ve continued to carry this.
While I am opening myself up to God’s love as shown in Jesus’s grace, compassion and help, I also believe Jesus did bear the punishment for my sin, and by His stripes I am healed. Jesus’s sacrifice for ours is the ultimate gift given out of God’s love for us.
I believe both statements are true. God is abounding in love and mercy and also righteous and just. Jesus demonstrated all of God’s nature/character for us.
It seems like people often gravitate toward one side or the other, God’s love or His judgment. Jesus spoke about both, but his actions were overwhelmingly compassionate and full of love and grace. Again, thank you for opening me up to this truth. I appreciate you!