We are surrounded by people in our lives that have not had the touch of a human hand in months – maybe years. People might wave at them or smile at them, and might even accidentally touch their hands when handing back change at the grocery store. But a heartfelt, compassionate, friendly touch that says “you’re loved”, or “you make a difference”, or “you mean something to me” might be so few and very far between.
In a word: not. It’s not easy. It’s extremely difficult. It’s not in our nature.
Forgiving someone for the slightest wrong sometimes threatens to feel like chewing broken glass or walking on hot coals. We’d rather slug it out or ignore them completely than to forgive. If the affront was a major one, we might think murderous thoughts or walk out of the relationship completely before we’d even consider the painful and gut-wrenching prospect of actually forgiving the offender.
We’re off and running with our summer study at the Ridge. All of us are embarking on a summer journey to learn about the fruit of the Spirit – qualities and traits developed in our hearts by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. These are qualities that we might be able to fake for awhile with a lot of effort and very little benefit, but these character traits cannot be manufactured by us. . . they're only produced by the Spirit at work in us and through us.
Continue reading "What if Jesus lived your life with His heart?" »
419.517.7722
5845 Centennial Road
at Sylvania-Metamora Road
(across from the new Centennial Terrace)
Coffee Fellowship
Worship Celebration
Children's Activities, Nursery