From the front porch and beyond
Have you ever watched a person and wondered; “Are they the real deal?”A few years ago I met a young lady that was in crisis. She was angry, very volatile, but she could also be kind and fun. You just never knew what you were going to get when your paths crossed. Others would warn you, but couldn’t tell you how to help the situation.
Conflict and confrontation
From my view, I seem to be a particular target that she would totally lose it on. I hate confrontation and conflict, so my response was to avoid and step away whenever I could.
I was in my own crisis, I was removed from what I felt was my calling in life, and everything familiar had been removed. Another story for another time. God was and is faithful!
Thankfully, God removed me from everyday encounters, but still, let our lives touch. When I knew her family or her were struggling or needing a prayer, I would text her.
Walls fall down trust built
Slowly, the walls began to fall and trust began to build. A tentative friendship between us was built. Not long ago she gave me one of the greatest compliments I have ever received: “You are the real deal. I can always count on you to pray for me. I love you.”
I love her, too! I take this compliment out and treasure it often. You see it has nothing to do with me, but everything to do with what God did. He reminded me that He loved me when I was unlovable. He gave me compassion, kindness, humility, and forbearance and it overflowed, giving me a precious friend. He always gives me abundantly more!!
Long to be real
I find myself longing to be real. Longing to know more of the realness of Christ. Longing to breathe in the truths of the Bible and breathe them out on those around me.
Are you the real deal?
Do you look at your life and wonder if they see the love, grace, self-control, and compassion of Christ?
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this precious friend. Thank you for always giving me abundantly more.
Please continue to work with me.
Lord, give me the realness that is you. Fill me and cover me with your compassion, kindness, humility, patience, goodness, faithfulness and self-control.
Holy Spirit, help me to be real, so others may see you.
Search me, teach me, change me, convict me, and please forgive me.
Do these things according to your perfect will and way in Jesus Christ’s powerful name.
Amen
Matthew 7:16 ESV
You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
https://youtu.be/cEGITb_Lnz4 Abundantly More North Point Worship
Debbie Kendrick
