“Don’t just act in loving ways toward people — make an effort to like them too. . . . For me, it goes back to learning how to forgive myself. To give grace when I fail and tone it down when I’m tempted to beat myself up. Because if I can’t bury the hatchet with myself, how can I forgive or show compassion to others?”- Bob Merritt
“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”- Romans 12:9-10 (NLT)
Bob Merritt concludes Chapter 1 of Done With That as he talks about the second reality to avoid staying stuck.
2. There are stages of growth. The nature of spiritual growth consists of stages and waves. Consequently, you overcome one thing only to find another. Yet, even through this process, God remains gracious and patient. Because our Lord understands human nature – and that our growth takes time. Also, just like children, adults experience growth in stages. Above all, it’s tough to progress to the next milestone until you fain some awareness and control in the preceding stage.
Most significantly, although love is an action , that doesn’t excuse you from liking people. It involves more than behaving in loving ways toward others or telling them the truth. So, when you extend forgiveness – to yourself or others – your compassion grows. In turn, you being to feel genuine affection for others.
Finally, Pastor Merritt exhorts:
“It doesn’t matter where you are or how far you’ve come; we’re never done growing. What matters is that we’re willing to keep getting getter — because the cost of discipleship is real but the cost of non-discipleship is greater.”
Today’s question: Ho do you act in loving ways toward people – and make an effort to like them too? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “
