And let us consider how we may spur
one another on toward love and good deeds.

Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)

Years ago I worked in an elementary school that employed a lot of people. There were those who everyone loved and there were others who many just tolerated. Tolerance often came up short and that is sad. 

I remember a teacher who many shied away from because of her sometimes confrontational, argumentative style. When I first came to the school, I heard whisperings about her. I was certain that walking on eggshells might be necessary. I didn’t mind. God knew my past and that I was no stranger to confrontation. I found myself drawn to her.

At first I observed some of the rough edges, but I didn’t see a roaring lion; I saw someone who had a thorn in her foot and just needed a friend, some empathy and encouragement. What looked like confidence and maybe even an air of superiority in some instances, soon stood out to me as a call and need for acceptance. I was thankful that God allowed me to see her more vulnerable side. I knew God wanted me to be her friend.

When she was upset over what seemed to be an injustice done to her, she had a tendency to bristle. I asked God to help me. All that was needed was a listening ear, the voice of encouragement and a prayerful heart.  Time spent discussing school politics, our families and sharing, brought us closer. I witnessed a softening in her tone. Perhaps she had not been  shown a lot of love previously. Or maybe like so many of us, her old hurts and old tapes needed to be replaced with something new. I don’t know.

Jesus was always tolerant of the unloved and he often went to those with the greatest need. He championed those who had no friends, the outcast and the shamed.  He saw the bigger picture and the heart inside. He led by example.  It’s called grace.  He encourages us to share it daily. He wants us to look beyond the rough exteriors and go out of our comfort zone.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,  rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)

As I began to become better acquainted with this hard-working teacher, I found someone who just needed an extra ounce of patience, a pinch of praise and a spoonful of kindness.  Her warmth was always there.  She had a wonderful smile when she was able to relax. 

We became friendly co-workers, and after she retired we stayed in touch. She called one year to ask me to lunch and I was delighted.  She’s gone home now, but I’ll always remember there was so much more to her than people thought.  She just needed an extra helping of grace like many of  us do throughout our lives.  And God taught me a valuable lesson about impressions.

God wants His children to always show a greater measure of compassion whenever there is the tiniest opening.  We all need acceptance. Our paths may have led to brokenness and our covers may be worn and tattered; God can use this. I pray we will be will willing to look inside the cover of someone who may be hurting. If our desire is to be more like Jesus, I am confident that God knows of someone in your life right now who needs someone to help them find the hand of grace.

By His Grace,

Joan

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Welcome to the Learning to Be Content Blog. I'm glad you are here! I'm a child of God who has finally awakened to the awesome power and leading of God in my life. It is my prayer and hope that our articles will offer encouragement, be filled with nuggets of spiritual truth, and will always shine the light on God's Kingdom. Abiding in Christ is the source of true contentment and He loves you! "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

Joan

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