"But let each one examine his own work and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load" ~Gal 6:4-5~
Do I examine myself enough? How close do I look? Do I see myself as God does? I love the great feeling when my "works" please Him. It is our calling to minister to others, each of us...
"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world" ~Jam 1:27~
I know it makes God smile when He sees us loving on others, regardless of whether we think they are in the wrong place in their life, only the love of God poured out on them can change their life.
But what about that last phrase? "To keep oneself unspotted from the world"...I'm ashamed at how many times I've failed to do this part. I'm afraid I've let the world leave it's mark on me often. How do we get past that? How do we forgive ourselves for falling short yesterday and move ahead today?
"This I recall to my mind, therefore I hope in Him! Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every mourning; Great is Your faithfulness" ~Lam 3:21-23~
That's how...when we failed yesterday, we get up today and start over in Him. And that's how we share the hope with others.
