understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. for people will be … heartless, [2 timothy 3:1, 3]
what do we do as we encounter heartless people in this world?
- don’t be shocked. be sad, lament, and even hurt. yes. but don’t be shocked.
- single man or women be careful – don’t give your heart to a heartless person. that means be patient as you make friends and date.
- don’t be this person. how? embrace and live in God’s love for us. for God’s love for us is – full, sacrificial, hope-filled, and joy-filled. as we bury our heart in his love – he fills our heart full of sacrificial, hope-filled and joy-filled love.
- finally, here’s our call to pray today and to come into God’s presence. let’s pray for those we know and care about that are heading down the path to heartlessness.
understand, part of the reason people get this way is becuase of their sin and the sin of others. they have been hurt by heartless people, and their sinful response has been to run from the heart of Christ and his love. instead of running to Jesus to find healing and comfort, they are starting to hold onto hurt and it is turning into bitterness. a bitter heart that does not encounter the life changing grace of God, soon becomes heartless. as you see the enemy attacking brother’s and sisters to head them down this path – pray, engage, love. call them back to Jesus to find and give forgiveness, to find healing, and to throw off bitterness through the grace of God.
see to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; [hebrews 12:15]
LORD, i pray i can become a dispenser of your grace that would fill my brother and sister with your heart – your love for you first and then others. i pray this in the name of Jesus – make me a dispenser of your grace that roots out bitterness and heartlessness in the body. in Jesus name, amen!
~ john ryan