Thank you so much for this timely reminder. I know all this, and yet I don’t always live by that knowledge. I have a literal neighbor who I baptized four years ago, and have been attempting to disciple ever since. I have spent hours with him—meeting with him once a week during the first year for at least an hour to talk about the faith and answer any questions he has, and after that year we’ve met intermittently at his request. In addition, I’ve encouraged him in every way I know how. But he has recently walked away from the faith. From something my wife said yesterday, I realize I’m holding resentment toward him. Your Substack piece reminds me that I must get my emotions right and love him, if from a distance, since he no longer wants to have anything to do with me.
Anyway, thank you so much for the piece. I needed it right now.
Thank you, Ike! I do think it’s hard for all of us to live by the knowledge we have. I know it is for me. As the old saying goes, easier said than done. And it has to be really hard to see someone you’ve poured your heart into walk away from the faith he’s professed. But know it isn’t you that he’s rejecting but God. You’re just the reminder of something he doesn’t want to be reminded of.
I am blessed that, at least for now, my aunt is grateful for what I do for her, which makes it a little easier. But seeing and loving like Jesus — whether friends, enemies, or even family — is challenging for sure.
Awesome piece, Linda! Your 3rd paragraph really impacted me. Like you I am in a caregiver mode with my wife of 46 years. Thanks for challenging me and encouraging me!
Thank you, Glenn! I’m so glad you found encouragement in my piece. You’re in a tough place, I know, with your wife because caregiving is hard. She’s so blessed to have you, though. And God bless and strengthen you as you care for her.
Thank you so much for this timely reminder. I know all this, and yet I don’t always live by that knowledge. I have a literal neighbor who I baptized four years ago, and have been attempting to disciple ever since. I have spent hours with him—meeting with him once a week during the first year for at least an hour to talk about the faith and answer any questions he has, and after that year we’ve met intermittently at his request. In addition, I’ve encouraged him in every way I know how. But he has recently walked away from the faith. From something my wife said yesterday, I realize I’m holding resentment toward him. Your Substack piece reminds me that I must get my emotions right and love him, if from a distance, since he no longer wants to have anything to do with me.
Anyway, thank you so much for the piece. I needed it right now.
Thank you, Ike! I do think it’s hard for all of us to live by the knowledge we have. I know it is for me. As the old saying goes, easier said than done. And it has to be really hard to see someone you’ve poured your heart into walk away from the faith he’s professed. But know it isn’t you that he’s rejecting but God. You’re just the reminder of something he doesn’t want to be reminded of.
I am blessed that, at least for now, my aunt is grateful for what I do for her, which makes it a little easier. But seeing and loving like Jesus — whether friends, enemies, or even family — is challenging for sure.
Awesome piece, Linda! Your 3rd paragraph really impacted me. Like you I am in a caregiver mode with my wife of 46 years. Thanks for challenging me and encouraging me!
Thank you, Glenn! I’m so glad you found encouragement in my piece. You’re in a tough place, I know, with your wife because caregiving is hard. She’s so blessed to have you, though. And God bless and strengthen you as you care for her.