CONDITION VS HUMANITY

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

 

“Separate their condition from their humanity” – Wade

 

I was so so blessed to be a part of an amazing session with about 150 concerned citizens, faith leaders, fellow believers, judges, and folks in recovery last night in Elyria Ohio.

 

I was asked to share a little of my story and the IMPACT of the church on my recovery!  I took some time to encourage those that were there that they were MORE than equipped to begin to make a difference!

 

And GOD as GOD often does astounded me.

 

My good friend Pastor Brian Wade from the www.thealpha.house

shared his heart and his amazing experience.

He has been in this space for a long long time.  He has helped countless folks.  He has launched many houses and many missions with a heart for the addicted.

 

And as he opened his remarks, remarks that we had not discussed or planned together, it was very apparent that what he was being moved to say was in total alignment and a precursor to what I was to share a little later.  It was a divine moment.

 

But as he encouraged this group who were LOOKING FOR WAYS TO ENGAGE, he said a KEY step that each of us must take is to always be able to SEPARATE ones’ condition (their addiction) from their humanity (WHO THEY ARE).  He reminded, as I did, that FIRST AND FOREMOST we are ALL CHILDREN of GOD.  That is our humanity.  And yes, our CONDITION can get “skewed” and “skewered” by substances.

Yet if we can separate the two, we can MINISTER as JESUS ministered; as someone who can hate the sins and conditions but devotedly LOVE the sinner.

 

It was a powerful reminder for all of us.

JESUS offered love to the unlovable.

Grace to the undeserving (that is us by the way).

And mercy to the fallen. 

And so, should we.

And when we too can separate someone’s condition from their humanity we can begin to see them with the eyes of JESUS; eyes that were always FILLED with compassion! (Mark 1:14)

 

So, the encouragement for today my friends is as you meet those whose condition is concerning, remember their humanity.

Remember that GOD loves them and so should we.

Look for the ways to point them in the right direction to help with their condition.

 

“One of the best parts of being HUMAN is other humans. It's true, because life is hard; but people get to show up for one another, as God told us to, and we remember we are loved and seen and God is here and we are not alone. We can't deliver folks from their pits, but we can sure get in there with them until God does.” 

Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always. When God’s children are in need, you be the one to help them out. Romans 12:10-12 (TLB)

 

 

Love ya all!

Have a blessed DAY!

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE