Issue 681 – Broken Heart – March 12, 2022
This morning’s photo of some bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis formerly known as Dicentra spectabilis) blossoms is a stretch in relating to the topic. They have a heart in the name, and the subject is hearts, so I opted to use them.
A delightful long-blooming woodland shrub, bleeding hearts are perfect for your yard’s shady or partially shady areas. Grow them in moist soil with plenty of organic matter, and they will delight you for years to come. They are in my top ten favourite flower list and never cease to make me smile when I see them.
Now, onto the topic at hand.
I have been a bit broken-hearted of late. I have had several encounters with friends who would claim to be Christian, but their lives don’t seem to show it in any way.
I am thinking of people who had positive church experiences and exposure to Christ. Some have served for years, done missions or been to Bible schools.
Yet, there seems to be no love for their sisters and brothers in Christ. They have no desire for Christian fellowship, for the Word, or even interest in the things of Christ. Maybe you know people like that.
Now, let me make a comment or two:
- Only God can truly judge someone’s heart, and He is fully sovereign, so I trust that.
- I am convicted from the Scriptures that once a person has been saved, they will always be, so if my friends knew Christ, they belong to Him still.
- It isn’t “my job” to fix any of these people.
Still, my heart breaks because I know that their lives would be enriched by a closer walk (or a fresh, real walk) with Jesus. I know that the body of Christ would be enriched and strengthened if they returned to active fellowship.
I also have friends and family who make no bones about not belonging to Christ. They have rejected Him thus far and are determined to do so. There is so much that they are missing out on because of their rebellion.
I was firmly in that camp until my early 30s. I was set free by Christ then despite my life of rebellion, so I hold out hope for them. There is hope for them as long as there is breath. I know people who came to Christ on their deathbed, and I think of the thief on the cross beside Christ who came to know him in his last hours.
I can’t fix any of the people I have mentioned. So what am I to do?
I can love them, even when that love isn’t returned. I can pray for them. Sometimes I forget to pray or turn to prayer as a last resort, forgetting that it should be my first stop. I can share with them when appropriate.
Our Lord is patient. In writing of the coming Day of the Lord, Peter writes,
But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9
None of us knows the hour and day of our demise or His return. I know that God is merciful and just and fair, and He will give all people ample opportunity to come to Him. That is far more than any of us deserve.
So, I will do what I can do, as limited as that is. More importantly, I will trust the Lord to do what is right in His eyes and know there is nothing better.
He is the God of miracles and can work even in those hearts for whom I think there might be no hope. Praise Him for that.
When you think of those you know without Christ, pray for them and trust God.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed.
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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All contents are © 2001, 2022 K. F. “Kevin” Corbin and Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV). Spelling modified to Canadian English as required.
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