This one situation changed the way that I view everything- God, faith, family, life, love, marriage etc. Not a day goes by that I'm not affected by it... September 2010 was the hardest thing that I have ever walked through.
It taught me the utter importance of accountability. A person is a lot less likely to make decisions that will adversely affect the community around them, if they walk in accountability with other believers, being mentored by older Christians...
"A lone ranger is a dead ranger..."
It taught me the importance of community. My Church family grew a lot stronger & closer together, as the result of this event. I have never seen so many people from so many different walks of life pull together & rally together as the result of this decision.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love & good works,
not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some,
but encouraging one another,
& all the more as you see the Day drawing near..."
not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some,
but encouraging one another,
& all the more as you see the Day drawing near..."
- Hebrews 10:25
It taught me the importance of honesty and vulnerability. If we aren't honest with those around us & let them see our faults, weaknesses & sins, then we are twice as likely to do things that we wouldn't dare to do, if we were being held accountable.
"My lips will not speak wickedness,
& my tongue will utter no deceit.."
& my tongue will utter no deceit.."
- Job 27:4
It taught me the importance of self-control. We must learn to bring our flesh, desires, thoughts, hearts etc into submission unto the Lord.
"But among you, there must be not even a hint of sexual immorality &
all impurity or covetousness, as is proper among saints..."
all impurity or covetousness, as is proper among saints..."
- Ephesians 5:3
It taught me the importance of prayer. Prayer changes things!
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another
& pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous person availeth much..."
& pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous person availeth much..."
- James 5:16
It taught me the importance of holding our family & friends accountable. If I see one of my fellow believers backsliding & falling into sin, it is my duty before the Lord to humbly confront
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression,
you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.
Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted..."
you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.
Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted..."
- Galatians 6:1
God is bringing Good from the Pain. He is working all things together for His Glory & our Good. He has a Plan & Purpose for all involved through this. He knows what He is doing. And we are trusting Him through this. :)
"And we know that God works all things together
for the good of those who love Him,
who have been Called according to His Purpose..."
who have been Called according to His Purpose..."
- Romans 8:28
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