Loved ones, bring some of the richest joy, this life has to offer. Though I am not one myself, I have observed the overwhelming joy of a grandparent with their grandchild. We are all aware of the joy two best friends have, laughing together and sharing experiences together. The beautiful familiarity found with siblings. The rich companionship blossoming in a vibrant marriage. But, people can also bring the worst of this life. Poisonous bitterness can ravage us. Someone’s competitive spirit can instantaneously ruin a friendship. Two family members succumbing to pride can block reconciliation indefinitely. No matter what anyone says, words hurt far worse than sticks and stones.
But imagine all the beauty without the beastliness. Imagine all the laughing until we feel like throwing up, with none of the insecurity. Picture all the companionship with none of the competition. Frankly, it is hard for us to grasp the potential exhilaration relationships will bring us, when all sin has been abolished. One day when we are in heaven, and we have eternity to laugh together, explore together, discover together; we will finally see the relational capacity we were meant for. Prior to Heaven, even the best moments we long to have back, are a vague, muted version of what we will have. As for right now, the scripture calls us not to wait to make that a reality. Today, we are to put away all the things that are toxic to our relationships, and embody all that will vitalize them.
What are you looking forward to the most about being with other people in heaven? What do you imagine yourself doing? What do you think is an important thing you want to embody, to purify your relationships even now.
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2 comments:
These past two weeks have been fantastic. It is very thought provoking to contemplate all that heaven will be. My wife (Regla), kids (Chelsea, Vinny, and Jenny) and myself have truly been blessed these past few months as we have settled in at WPCC. We can see the Lord at work at this church and we are so grateful to have found a church where Jesus Christ is worshiped and his Word is faithfully taught. Many people have welcomed us and we look forward to getting to know many more members in the coming weeks. Vincent Harris
I also think this series has been fantastic. I have really been captivated by the concept of "...your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven". I love the great responsibility and challenge that the Lord left for us in trying to seek and understand his will and ultimately to try to facilitate his will on earth. How amazing! All powerful God. All knowing. Yet he chooses to allow us to have an integral part on how his creation behaves.
On a practical note I am trying to use this teaching as a filter for my thoughts and actions, "does this bring a taste of heaven to earth?".
God bless.
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