Hi overcomer,
May the King of Heaven bless you even more with happy joy this week. May His gentleness make you greater than you ever dared was possible.
"You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me... and your gentleness made me great."
Psalm 18:35 ESV
I also pray you receive kindness at every turn.
For remember saint.
Not everyone has our privileges.
Despite our troubles,
Our sorrows,
Or fragility.
Jesus loves us forever.
He is ever with us and we shall never die.*
However,
There is a side of GOD’s character rarely spoken about.
One I am ever grateful for getting a tiny glimpse of, because it transformed me. (Particularly the 'little boy' in me. It helped heal him deeply, as David showed above).
A simple revelation…
That,
GOD is gentle.
So to my point today.
Clearly,
For anyone who's suffered abuse...
Becoming whole for someone who's (even a bit) broken is not easy, yet for survivors of sexual, physical or verbal abuse (honestly) it can take decades... to reach deep, true restoration and healing.
For these,
Experiencing GOD as 'kind Father' can be a tough call.
So instead in His wonderful kindness.
GOD our Father,
Sent us the Spirit of GENTLENESS...
In His Son.
For example.
See how Jesus acted towards little ones…
“Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them."
Mark 10: (13)14-16 ESV.
The LORD is gentle.
Yet woe betide anyone who abuses children.
If that's you...
The wrath of GOD is coming for you.
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,
It would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.”
Mark 9:42 ESV
And especially...
For abusers disguising themselves as Christians.
Jesus warns how such wretched ones subtly get in...
“They come to you looking gentle like sheep, but they are really dangerous like wolves.”
Matthew 7:15 NCV
Thankfully though if you are listening...
The Holy Spirit will flag these ‘wolf type’ christians up to you instantly. (When or if He does... be sure you take your children OUT of any Bible camps, congregations, home groups they are in... immediately. Notify safeguarding staff of your concerns too).
GOD is just.
He will bring everlasting damnation upon any who sexually abuse children in particular.
Yet to every broken lamb trusting Him...
GOD is GENTLE.
Compassionate. Ever understanding.
We are all easy to break.
Hard to fix.
So also remember to be gentle with yourself too.
May the LORD grant you His precious gift…
A spirit of gentleness.
"For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?"
1 Corinthians 4:20-21 ESV.
The LORD repay you for your thoughtfulness.
Keep on the good path. Victory is on it's way.
Bless you saint.
Dave.
PS If you know someone broken by abuse here are a couple of resources which may help them in their recovery…
Watch this video by Joe, Nita and Katherine etc (please do... It is NOT about 'The Sound of Freedom' btw)...
PPS If you know of any other ministries which also have a track record of helping in these areas of ministry (especially if they are outside of UK/USA etc) please share in the comments below)
*Everlasting joy with Jesus is our portion...
"And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
John 11:26 NKJV
Satan and his minions are the abuser. Physical and mental abuse leave signs, but are no different to spiritual abuse, and the spiritual abusers are in the pulpit frequently. As slaves to Jesus, we extend His gracious heart to the victims, however inflicted.