It’s a stunning thought that a person could read something on the internet with which they disagree and just walk away without a word. A modern American mind-blowing experience is to pay attention to a variety of ideas without feeling the need to overrule anyone.  Are we afraid truth won’t hold up to scrutiny? Is that truth at all?

If you are familiar with the New Testament, then you know Jesus was most upset with hypocrites. He did not appreciate those who held themselves up as superior. In that light, I confess my past as one of those self-righteous religious leaders who thought she knew everything about right and wrong. 

That is not me anymore. Now, I enjoy the truth whether it sits well with me or not. It is my daily goal to change and become fuller of the truth than the day before. Notice I did not say fuller of my truth as that is only more self-righteousness. 

Tonight I attended a meeting formed to create a dialogue between evangelicals who do not support sex outside of the one man-one woman paradigm, and people who do. We want to destroy hate and move forward in love as Jesus did.  We can listen to each other’s convictions without our brains falling out. 

This blog is not a continuation of that meeting. However, similarities run through it.  We who know well the challenges built-in to mental, emotional, and behavioral struggles are also aware of stigma and hate. Opinions about our character, interpretations of our various conditions, transient levels of understanding among family and friends – all these may be hurtful. They do not define who we are.

 You see, Jesus was kind to people like us. He is still kind to us. Not only does he encourage and heal, but he loves us and walks with us on the journey. He is never far. As our Creator, he knows what ails the body, mind, and spirit.

Today’s Helpful Word

John 16: 7-15 (Jesus talks to his disciples about his death and resurrection)

 “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now.  When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.  All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’