Agreeing vs. Obeying

I do my best to not only follow the Word of God, but also live it. Not just in front of my three children who watch my every step and move, but in every aspect of my life. In the private moments, in the public places, in all areas of my life. There are times when I fail, obviously – I’m human.

And I had to come to the place within myself where I had to answer the question: Do I merely agree with God’s Word or do I obey it as well?

Because, I admit, ending the previous year and entering this new year, while I totally agree with God’s Word, the obeying part… Well, that’s been a struggle if I can be fully transparent.

“Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I think through the years this has been my number 1 struggle. And you know what, God’s Word says that Love covers a multitude of sins. It also says that we forgive so that we can be forgive. And blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy.

See, I know this. I agree with the Word of God. But do I obey it? When it gets hard to forgive someone who has harmed me in such a way that words cannot even begin to express… I have to remember that God has forgiven me. I don’t deserve it, still He is faithful and just to forgive me my trespasses. And, I don’t want to sin against God. I admit, sometimes, this is hard.

But, it takes more than simply agreeing with God’s Word. It takes more than knowing God’s Word. It takes putting it into action. It takes obedience.

The world teaches us, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But God’s Word teaches us to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile.

I want to not just agree with God’s Word, but I want to obey it with my thoughts, my words, my actions.

*Original image by Yours Truly ☀️🌸