Many years ago, a pastor I was not very fond of, asked me to identify my main gift from God in one phrase. Up until then, I would say when asked about my gifts that I had the gift of encouragement(that was always the first gift I listed because it was my favorite)…teaching, speaking, discernment, and always last, prophecy, because I didn’t like it and actually would deny I had it. My husband would continuously point out that I did have it. Leadership also would be among the list, but no one likes to admit they have that either.
That day, I was challenged to take a deep and honest look at myself and my life. How did I live? What were my tendencies? Who was I when no one else was looking? How did God use most in His kingdom service? How did I feel after I exercised any one of those gifts? And most importantly of all, how did I best love and bless my family and friends? Then I prayed! Please show me God who am I in your kingdom? Who have you truly made me to be? How am I best used for your glory? How can I be the best me you have made me to be?
His answer was clear…
“SPEAK MY TRUTH IN LOVE!”
I did not argue with God this time, oh yes, I have foolishly argued with Him before, but this time I knew. I felt the answer come together so clearly from Him. It is not easy to speak His Truth, but I am able to when He fills me with His Spirit and gives me His strength, His wisdom and His words.
But the key is….
“Speaking His Truth in Love!”
His love, not my love!
My version of love is what feels good and what seems to be right according to my standard. God‘s version is loving, even when it hurts, costs you deeply, and you may receive nothing in return. God‘s love is sacrificial. It is selfless and always puts the other person before yourself.
God’s Love cost Him the cross!
What must God’s love cost me?
That pastor said many other words that I did not like or agree with, but the words he spoke that day challenged me to define my gift from God in a nutshell. And that has been life-changing. For that, I can be thankful to him.
As we approach the day of giving thanks, that our country set aside every fourth Thursday of November, you may find yourself in a personally hard place to Give Thanks.
Life may seem anything but thankful right now. I believe that the powerful Love of God, which took Jesus, the holy, perfect Son of God to a cross, held Him there, buried Him, and on the third day, raised Him from the dead, can also supply you with that same love to forgive, find the good in even the hardest and worst of situations and Give Thanks to our great God on this Thanksgiving day!
TRUTH BOMB
GIVE THANKS TO GOD EVEN WHEN IT’S HARD, HE IS WORTHY!
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His faithful love endures forever.”
Psalm 107:1
I am thankful for you, Friends! I am thankful for the relationship we can have, even over social media because of our great God’s love for us!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Speak Truth Love
speaktruthlove 