The former life to the loving life
Ephesians 4:22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitfulness desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Isaiah 43:18,19 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up: do you not perceive it?
Psalm 139:21,22 Search me, o God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
2 Corinthians 10:4,5, Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:9,10
I reached out and said yes to the invitation without knowing what I expected or really wanted. I just remember I felt drawn and responded by reaching out and accepting. And for the next several days it did not feel as though I walked on the ground; I walked about 18” above it.
I had no idea of what or how my life would change, but it began to change in subtle ways—finding coarse language a little offensive, being offended by cheap dress or actions, but still I was not growing and seeking the way I should. Over time, I learned I needed to spend time with God on a personal basis, and I had to learn via church, bible studies, and good bible teachers. The more I read and could see the areas I was not living in the manner I should, the more I wanted to change.
It was rarely a quick change. I might realize I needed to be more patient with my children, then for sure, they would be beasts for a few moments and my temper would soar. There were even a couple of times, I started to loudly scold, then froze as the Holy Spirit suddenly showed me I was acting out–and not in the manner I wanted. I stopped, told them to quiet their voices, I loved them then walked away. It usually took a few moments for the anger to ebb away, but it did. And each time it happened, I learned and gained more control until I could keep the anger at bay except for the serious issues—not the squabbling the kids might be doing.
It’s been a growth, a wonderful progression of who I want to be, who I hope I show to others. I am NOT perfect, but I look back and can see the steps of love, and the falls and confessions and the wonderful blessing of forgiveness. I try to walk the best I can so He will be pleased with me. God’s love is the best of “mybellaviews.”
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