Love is gentle; it’s not angry or boastful. It’s straightforward, considerate, and not seeking personal attention. Love is gracious and courteous towards others, forthright, and straight to the point.

The Holy Spirit can be overwhelming for some, and the character nature in Christ can be offensive to those easily offended.

Resentment, strife, and bitterness are detrimental to the body, especially when coming from one person and projected onto others, going against God’s order.

Instead of self-reflection and seeking accountability, often people use silence as a weapon toward others and when one person is tired of toxicity we make the separation permanent through boundaries.

It’s okay to guard your heart!

Jude 1:21
keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Love is reliable, and unreliable people should not have free rein in your life if they bring more grief than joy.

Forgiveness is crucial, and it is acceptable to remove oneself from toxic situations. Spiritual maturity comes from acknowledging our faults and bringing them to Christ for cleansing. Sanctification is a process of inner reflection and the courage to admit wrongdoing, repent, and make peace. The Holy Spirit washes us clean, He does the rest.

An unchecked heart leads to betrayal, while unresolved betrayals lead to hatred. It is important to reflect on this as we witness injustices committed against us by our families, friends, acquaintances, and as a nation. We are being tested from all sides.

Matthew 24:10 states, “And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.”

Hate is poison, and divisive behavior pollutes and breeds more contempt when it entices others. Sometimes, loving from afar is the way to go, while other times it requires taking time and space away. Eventually, some relationships can be restored. Stand back in obedience and allow God to work, praying in faith that all things are possible through faith in Christ.

Self-control is essential for living a peaceful life because, without it, people become slaves to their emotions. Emotional distress leads to slander and false accusations, causing innocent people in Christ to be targets of character defamation.

If you are on the tail end, keep quiet, pray for your enemies, speak the truth, and let God rearrange things in your favor. God will always redeem His truth-tellers, while liars will receive their fair share of God’s rebuke to teach them a lesson in kindness, fairness, and repentance.

Your enemies are dealing with God on His terms, so keep your heart and mouth free from bitter speech.

Note:

2 Timothy 1:7 reveals, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”

This validates that the straightforwardness of Christ’s love is present in those walking in it. However, people who talk more than actually live in the light often make war with God’s people because they feel attacked by the scripture truth. The crucial word here is “feel” – it is based on feelings rather than spiritual maturity.

In reality, they make war with God in their hearts. In cases where two parties cannot agree, if one person is willing to overlook offenses and the other refuses to see, separation is justified.

King Solomon said it best: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

Setting boundaries is healthy and necessary today, as the unwillingness to change in some individuals becomes detrimental to your peace.

In life, family, ministry, love, peace, joy, and calmness are essential for effectiveness. It may be a learning curve for many, but only when we are willing to hear God’s instruction.

Blessings,
Sister Christine

C. Brejcha ©️
09/26/2022