The concepts of wrath and love coexist in perfect harmony. As humans, we tend to project our attributes onto God, but God transcends our limited understanding.
Unlike human judges who may be sinful, God is a perfect and just judge.
Allow space for divine retribution. It is the responsibility of the Almighty, and His wrath is impartial, flawless, and devoid of favoritism.
Even in His wrath, God remains fully just, gracious, and good.
I embody the destruction of love, and I dare you to take me on.
Jump to conclusions, catastrophize every scenario, & wrongly perceive oneself & others as worse than one actually is…
Feelings, Feelings… Turned To One Distorted Emotion
Unpleasant memories and distress intertwine with future optimism and allure.
Your past is so sinister, it darkens everything it touches, tainting what could have been.
Undeniably Demonic
You found yourself torn between two contrasting tables — one representing the fiery depths of hell, the other a celestial haven of Heavens Treasures.
Struggling to distill it to its essence, you embodied a dualistic mind, weaving a perplexing web of deception and ensnaring the unsuspecting souls crossing your path.
How can you possibly entertain the idea of forgiveness?
You’ve been cast aside to your own whims, absolution simply became a far-fetched illusion.
Do you fail to grasp, not to mention observe, the reality in front of you?
Or are you still ungrateful even when blessed?
Fading the rugged boundaries of what seemed achievable, maybe even anticipated.
Engaging in a relentless struggle to unearth the slightest of flaws in the most evident armor.
Somehow, in some manner, you perpetually manage to stumble upon one.
Flaw after flaw, you fall into your trap.
Uncover the fissure, the cipher, the illumination that never existed.
Amplify it.Elaborate upon it. Die in it.
The Surging Torrents
Oh, the surging torrents of insecurity; as they surge, twist, and crash onto the shores.
Whatever you kept vulnerable for such a duration, all you required was resolution.
All the trivial, imaginary situations born from your distorted perspective, cleverly hiding your unspoken grudges. Allowing them to endlessly repeat, in a frenzy.
Any semblance of reason or rationality consumed by the electric, unfounded vulnerability of fear.
It is you who questions yourself, with the ’purest intention’, defining yourself entirely unworthy.
Unworthy of both what you have received and what you desire.
As you read, a sense of darkness seeps through the words, almost like you’re touching the shadowy spaces between each moment, within each line.
Their voice lacks any firmness, resonating with the hesitant tones that have become all too familiar to you.
You prepared yourself for heartache, despite it never even being there.
There’s nothing to even suggest it existed in the first place. Setting yourself up with such damning evidence.
The beauty that was waiting for you, stripped from right under your own two feet.
Picture yourself gliding on the ethereal surface of your make-believe carpet, immersed in isolation, firmly convinced of your status as a victim, while casting blame and condemning victims as villians.
A glass that appears to be completely full but deep down you fear its impending emptiness.
A seemingly sturdy wall that stands unsteady before your very eyes, as you witness the gradual crumbling of its metallic structure.
Embrace the illusion, confess it!
Eventually ending in a feeling, for once returning to a time produced from the many pauses between words.
Silence, prior to embrace in the moments that free-fell from your heart; deceived, felt, immediately after.
Pathetic.
Holding all the world’s promises in the palm of your hand.
Spending the time watching shadows dancing in the distance. Overruling that which is clearly present, in the here and now.
It’s the belief that heartbreak is, in the end, inevitable. Despite your undying hope for the contrary. You allowed this belief to undermine all you think, say, or do.
That sweet morsel is followed by a bitter gut.
It’s the inconsistent ability to seize the moment.
Theal false confidence that you were meant to play the cards that you were dealt.
The ongoing struggle of being your own deceiving dealer who’s giving you shitty hands of sabatoge, you’re fighting yourself, but you blame the other.
Being relentlessly gripped by sickening, maddening, torturing nostalgia.
This nostalgia that suffocates, it continues to grow, fester, and generate from each and every moment, and as it passes, you’re standing firmly in the center unable to do a thing about it anymore.
A gripping fear that each touch, affection, or unsuspecting eternal feeling of love might be the last, so don’t feel it too much… or it’ll hurt too much.
And as this thought pattern persists, it very well could have been the very last thought.
Forgive: … the act of pardoning someone for a perceived offense or wrongdoing. i
Forgiveness Involves: … letting go of feelings of resentment, anger, or vengeance towards the person who has wronged you.
Forgiveness Is: … a conscious and deliberate decision to release negative emotions and move towards reconciliation or healing.
Forgiveness Promotes: … empathy, understanding, and compassion.
Forgiveness Is Key For: … conflict resolution, peace-building efforts, and interpersonal relationships.
Forgiveness comes from the Old English word “forgiefan,” where “for” means “completely” or “thoroughly,” and “giefan” means “to give.”
Forgiveness
a powerful and unwavering act of relinquishing all resentment or bestowing complete pardon upon another.
The opposite of forgiveness?
– to hold a grudge…
– to harbor resentment towards someone…
– to refuse to let go of anger or blame.
– refusing to let go of past offenses or wrongdoings…
–maintaining negative feelings instead of granting absolution or offering pardon.
Forgiveness is the Main Teaching of Jesus
Scripture consistently emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, it is the primary message.
Matthew 6:14-15:
“… if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
… but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Luke 6:37:
“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Ephesians 4:32:
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
When The Lord Bears Your Burdens, You’ll Bear Other’s Burdens.
Colossians 3:13 –
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.“
Colossians 3:13 –
” … Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
The concept of forgiveness is rooted in the principle of treating others the way you would like to be treated.
“Whatever you would want that others do to you, do also that to them… on this hangs all the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31
How does the Law and Prophets depend on the way we treat others?
Because the message is the same as it was in this beginning…
LOVE…
LOVE FORGIVES…
LOVE IS THE WHOLE POINT…
TO LOVE IS TO FORGIVE.
Holiness & Truth
Holiness is the state or quality of being pure, sacred, and in perfect accordance with truth. It represents a profound alignment, embodying both integrity in one’s actions and authenticity in one’s self-expression.
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
Romans 13:10
Forgiveness is an act of empathy and compassion that leads to growth & harmony.
Where’s Your Focus?
When people divert their attention to consistently highlighting and searching out the shortcomings of others and habitually advocating for justice to be served, it becomes evident that they have not received the gift of mercy.
By shifting our focus towards scrutinizing the failures and flaws of those around us, we inadvertently disclose our own shortcomings.
Mercy, a quality from God that expresses from a place of compassion and understanding, gives us the ability to forgive, empathize, and extend grace to others.
When we live in pursuit of justice for others, we ask for God’s justice for ourselves… don’t be a hypocrite because:
… in Gods court, you are GUILTY!!!
& your best works are useless period rags. (Isa.64:4)
The act of gossiping is a manifestation of the ego’s desire for attention, translating to a lust for power: the only way some people can feel they have a sense of control…
Gossip feeds on the weaknesses of others, and it can take many forms; from the subtle sharing of information to the outright spreading of lies.
Gossip is dangerous, for it can lead to the destruction of trust and the erosion of respect.
When we engage in gossip, we are not only harming others, but we are also damaging our own spiritual growth.
Heart Of Gossip
Gossiping reveals the darkness that resides within us, the sin that we carry in our hearts.
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.”
James 4:11
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The Fruit of Insecure Fear is Gossip
Gossip manifests the fruits of our deep-seated insecurities & fears, which we try to mask by tearing down others, intensifying the depth of the downward cycle.
This is a futile attempt at finding validation, for it only perpetuates a cycle of negativity and harm.
The insidious nature of gossip is rooted in its ability to ignite and spread like a raging inferno.
It is a force that can quickly consume and destroy all in its path, leaving nothing but smoldering ruins in its wake.
As each person adds their embellishments and twists to the tale, the flames grow higher and hotter until the truth is lost in a haze of smoke and confusion.
Innocent people are often caught in the crossfire, their reputations and relationships scorched by the unforgiving flames of gossip.
See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!
And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.
– James 3:5-6
THERE IS A SOLUTION!
Don’t Participate
At the core of our being lies the power to stop the spread of negativity.
It starts with a simple, yet profound act of choosing not to participate in gossip.
Our words hold great power, and that we must use them wisely, lest we become the unwitting arsonists of our own destruction.
By declining to engage in such conversations, we are taking a stand for truth and integrity.
We must resist the temptation to repeat rumors, for they only serve to perpetuate falsehoods and sow discord.
Gossip Damages Our Own Soul
At its core, gossiping is a manifestation of a lack of respect for the privacy and dignity of others.
It is a betrayal of trust and a violation of the sacred bond of any relationship.
When we engage in gossip, we are not only harming the person we are talking about, but we are also damaging our own souls. We are giving in to the temptation of ego and pride, seeking to elevate ourselves by tearing others down.
Actual spiritual growth requires us to resist this temptation and instead cultivate compassion and empathy toward others.
Treat Others How You Want To Be Treated
We must learn to see the divine in everyone and treat them with the same love and respect we would want for ourselves.
Only then can we truly live in harmony with the universe and fulfill our true purpose in life.
Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.
Luke 6:31
Treat Others How You Want To Be Treated
The act of spreading rumors and gossip is not only harmful to the victim, but it also reveals the character of the person spreading it.
As believers, we are called to guard our tongues and speak life-giving words.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21
Those who love death… eat death’s fruit.
Those who love life… eat life’s fruit.
IDENTITY IS IN CHRIST, NOT SELF
When faced with gossip, we must remember that our worth and identity are either in Satan or Christ, and you’re known by the fruits…
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”
– Galatians 5:22-23
JESUS:
“By this My Father is glorified: hat you bear much fruit & so prove to be My disciples.”
-John 15:8
Words Have Great Power
Gossiping breaks trust and violates sacred bonds between people.
You will reap the rewards …
Speak What Is Truly Helpful
We should be careful with our words, speaking only what is helpful and uplifting to others, our words have the power to either build up or tear down.
Gossip Is A Reflection Of Spiritual Immaturity
Gossiping reflects the gossiper’s lack of spiritual awareness & disrespect towards the sanctity of their fellow’s being, spitting in the face of the God they claim.
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Proverbs 16:28
Gossip Violates Trust
It is not only a distasteful habit but also a violation of the trust.
“The tongue is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”
James 3:6
Gossip Creates Negative Energy
By negative, I mean demonic.
When we surround ourselves with engagers of gossip we invite negative energy into our mentality.
Obviously those who speak ill of others are not operating from a place of love and kindness.
By distancing ourselves from this behavior, we are protecting our own soul, preserving our integrity.
WE ARE GODS VESSELS
God calls us to be His chosen vessels, carrying out His Will on earth.
Unity is key to reflecting God’s image, and we must strive to be like Him, embracing our enemies, setting aside our differences with Wisdom.
Trust is crucial, as we must keep each other’s secrets and avoid gossip. Let us embody these qualities to create a more peaceful world where God’s love reigns supreme.
God’s love reigns supreme.
Do you love?
Or are you a vessel preserved for wrath?
Bible Verses:
Proverbs 11:17 – “A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.”
Colossians 3:12 – “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”
Proverbs 11:13 – “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
1 Peter 3:8 – “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”
Proverbs 25:9 – “Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another’s secret,”
Proverbs 11:13 – “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.”
As I grow older, I find that my obsession with superficial appearances and vanity declines.
The pursuit of shallow bliss no longer captivates me as it once did.
Instead, I am drawn towards the realm of deep wisdom.
I find myself constantly pulled between two contrasting worlds.
On one hand, there is the allure of shallow bliss…
– the transient joys that are easily accessible and require little thought or effort.
This world tempts me with instant gratification, social validation, and a carefree existence.
I realize that these fleeting pleasures eventually lose their appeal and leave me longing for something more substantial.
On the other hand, there is the realm of deep wisdom.
It is a world of introspection, reflection, and intellectual growth.
Here, the pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and personal development becomes paramount.
It offers a sense of fulfillment and meaning that surpasses the temporary highs of shallow bliss.
This world teaches me to value substance over surface, to seek fulfillment rather than validation, and to embrace the complexities of life rather than running from them.
Yet, I find myself caught in a tug-of-war between these two worlds.
The shallow bliss lures me with its simplicity and immediate gratification, while the pursuit of deep wisdom demands dedication, discipline, and patience.
It requires me to confront my fears, question my beliefs, and navigate the intricate nuances of existence.
It is in this world that I find true fulfillment – where wisdom, true understanding, and lasting happiness reside.
As vanity fades, the desire for a meaningful and purposeful life becomes paramount.
So, I continue to navigate the delicate balance between these two worlds, finding solace in the wisdom gained from experience, and strength in the pursuit of intellectual growth.
I accept that the journey towards wisdom may be challenging and filled with uncertainties, but I also recognize that it is a path worth venturing upon.
For it is in this quest that I discover the true essence of life:
… a beautiful amalgamation of age, wisdom, and the relentless desire to unearth the profound truths that lie beneath the surface.
The ego, also known as the conscious self, is the center of our conscious awareness and is responsible for our sense of identity, self-perception, and personal experiences.
It is the aspect of the psyche that is most in touch with reality and is developed through our interactions with the external world.
The ego helps us navigate and adapt to the demands of the external world and helps us maintain a sense of control and stability.
Why Does The Ego Seek Control?
The ego seeks control as a way of maintaining a sense of stability and security in one’s life.
By having control over one’s surroundings and relationships, the ego feels a sense of power and protection from the unknown and unpredictable aspects of life.
It also seeks control as a way of maintaining a positive self-image and avoiding facing uncomfortable truths held within the shadow.
The Solution Is Shadow Integration
The solution is for individuals to become aware of their ego’s need for control and to actively work on letting go of this need.
This can be done through practices such as mindfulness, self-reflection, and embracing vulnerability and uncertainty.
It also involves recognizing and integrating the shadow aspects of oneself, which can help reduce the need for control and foster a sense of inner peace and authenticity.
Practical Steps You Can Take:
Practice Mindfullness
Set aside time each day to focus on the present moment and observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment.
Self-reflection
BEGIN journaling or start therapy to explore and understand your own patterns and motivations related to control.
Embrace Vulnerability
Take risks and become willing to be more open to new experiences, even if they may not go as planned.
Integrate Shadow
Acknowledge and Accept your mistakes and flaws, while working towards self-compassion and growth.
Terminology
Control: ... the power or authority to direct, regulate, or manage someone in order to achieve the controller's desired outcome...
Desire: ... a strong feeling or craving for something, whether it be a want, need, aspiration, or longing..
Ego: ... a person's sense of self-importance or self-esteem. ... an individual's self-perception and the need to maintain a positive image of oneself. ... plays a role in regulating one's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, often leading to self-centeredness...
Hypocrisy: ... derived from the Greek word "hypokrisis". ... meaning: acting or playing a part on a stage. ... the pretense of virtue or goodness while concealing one's true intentions or actions.
