I have just finished watching this episode for the second time! The “narrow way” has often been weaponized as a way to exclude some people… thank you for this teaching about embracing like Jesus.
Follow-up: I am so grateful for this teaching today, John! I had an opportunity to practice it today at an eye doctor appointment. The staff isn't particularly personable...and today, I "opened my arms and waited"... one person did not want an "embrace" and one person did. It was so beautiful to give it a try and also to be at peace when another's kingdom was not open to me. Such a different way to frame an encounter!
Thanks, John. Celebrate people today - because God loves them and is calling them to His love for them. We as disciples are called to reflect that truth in our daily attitudes.
Genuine open acceptance and appreciating the worth of another is to respect them and their kingdom. This removes “me” from the equation and allows love freedom to move Wow, expressed acceptance, worth and respect towards others opens the door for love. Thank you John, for expressing this in simple truths. I am praying that today, I will be reminded of this over and over again and it will become part of who I am.
Late start today... but I didn't want to miss this lesson. When I bought a motorcycle to begin touring cross country years ago, before my first trip, I attached a license plate frame that said simply, "The Road Less Traveled." Riding more that 50,000 miles across 40 states on two lane highways was literally taking the roads less traveled, but the message meant more. I was trying to ride spiritually the road less traveled... the narrow path. More than once, more than twice, another traveler would comment on my license plate holder's message. They got it. We would usually end our brief conversation by saying we would pray for each other's safe journey.
You gave me a image of The Narrow Dance🤗 The fine art of hugging, it seems to be a gift of some folks. Shy folks can struggle with it but most of the time it sure feels like acceptance. Thanks♡
Such an excellent teaching! John, I love your thoughts! You always spark something within me that causes me to think about something that I otherwise wouldn't have. Thank you ❤ -Jennah😊
Thanks, John. You gave me a new insight into the word tolerance. I think tolerance is so much easier than loving. I think I have some work to do. Blessings to you and the team.
An eye opener! The Narrow Way is accepting others broadly in the way Jesus did. John, are you on a 2 cans with a string phone with God? How is this the first time I’ve heard this truth? Staying tuned for for part two tomorrow!
Honestly, of the four steps I have the most difficulty with "Open my arms." The comment about evangelical Christians having the most difficulty engaging others in conversation is right-on-target with me! Not because I find the other's beliefs or behaviors "intolerable" but more because of the energy required and the potential vulnerability. I struggle with, but absolutely believe, that if someone really knew me they'd not want to invest time and energy interacting with me. Hey, a bit neurotic, I know -- but it is part of my brokenness and something about which the Holy Spirit is tirelessly wrestling with me. It's tough for me to "Open my arms."
I heard a voice, at the dusk of day Saying, "Be gentle brother, be gentle and pray" It's a long road, it's a long and narrow way If I can't work up to you, you'll surely have to work down to me someday. Bob Dylan
A wonderful message John , listened to it twice too, and really got the message now. Hugging is important to me and expresses my true feelings. Love to express them but some people do not feel the same way. I usually know who they are however once I kissed my favorite local symphony conductor on the cheek and he was very upset. Waiting is a good idea.
I have just finished watching this episode for the second time! The “narrow way” has often been weaponized as a way to exclude some people… thank you for this teaching about embracing like Jesus.
Well said! Thank you for sharing we appreciate your listening Bucky
Follow-up: I am so grateful for this teaching today, John! I had an opportunity to practice it today at an eye doctor appointment. The staff isn't particularly personable...and today, I "opened my arms and waited"... one person did not want an "embrace" and one person did. It was so beautiful to give it a try and also to be at peace when another's kingdom was not open to me. Such a different way to frame an encounter!
Great story! Thanks for sharing!
Favorite quote: The soul does not crave to be tolerated… It craves to be celebrated!
Thanks, John. Celebrate people today - because God loves them and is calling them to His love for them. We as disciples are called to reflect that truth in our daily attitudes.
Genuine open acceptance and appreciating the worth of another is to respect them and their kingdom. This removes “me” from the equation and allows love freedom to move
Wow, expressed acceptance, worth and respect towards others opens the door for love.
Thank you John, for expressing this in simple truths. I am praying that today, I will be reminded of this over and over again and it will become part of who I am.
Late start today... but I didn't want to miss this lesson. When I bought a motorcycle to begin touring cross country years ago, before my first trip, I attached a license plate frame that said simply, "The Road Less Traveled." Riding more that 50,000 miles across 40 states on two lane highways was literally taking the roads less traveled, but the message meant more. I was trying to ride spiritually the road less traveled... the narrow path. More than once, more than twice, another traveler would comment on my license plate holder's message. They got it. We would usually end our brief conversation by saying we would pray for each other's safe journey.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story and experience of taking the road less traveled. Bucky
QUESTION FOR THE COMMENTS:
Of the four steps (Open my arms, wait, embrace, release) which one is most difficult for you?
Wait
You gave me a image of The Narrow Dance🤗
The fine art of hugging, it seems to be a gift of some folks. Shy folks can struggle with it but most of the time it sure feels like acceptance. Thanks♡
Open arms is tough.
Such an excellent teaching! John, I love your thoughts! You always spark something within me that causes me to think about something that I otherwise wouldn't have. Thank you ❤ -Jennah😊
Thanks, John. You gave me a new insight into the word tolerance. I think tolerance is so much easier than loving. I think I have some work to do. Blessings to you and the team.
Love people, and tolerate behavior.
An eye opener! The Narrow Way is accepting others broadly in the way Jesus did. John, are you on a 2 cans with a string phone with God? How is this the first time I’ve heard this truth? Staying tuned for for part two tomorrow!
I love this teaching! Making it a golden rule day!💕🤗
Honestly, of the four steps I have the most difficulty with "Open my arms." The comment about evangelical Christians having the most difficulty engaging others in conversation is right-on-target with me! Not because I find the other's beliefs or behaviors "intolerable" but more because of the energy required and the potential vulnerability. I struggle with, but absolutely believe, that if someone really knew me they'd not want to invest time and energy interacting with me. Hey, a bit neurotic, I know -- but it is part of my brokenness and something about which the Holy Spirit is tirelessly wrestling with me. It's tough for me to "Open my arms."
I'd open my arms to you. And smile. You're OK
❤❤ How refreshing are your teachings....Thank you!
I heard a voice, at the dusk of day
Saying, "Be gentle brother, be gentle and pray"
It's a long road, it's a long and narrow way
If I can't work up to you, you'll surely have to work down to me someday. Bob Dylan
Thanks for sharing those lyrics.
Thanks John,
This is a message we all need to hear❤
What an eye and heart opening explanation of the word or God. Thank you so much for sharing pastor John.
You are very welcome - we appreciate you listening and being part of the BecomeNew family Bucky
A wonderful message John , listened to it twice too, and really got the message now. Hugging is important to me and expresses my true feelings. Love to express them but some people do not feel the same way. I usually know who they are however once I kissed my favorite local symphony conductor on the cheek and he was very upset. Waiting is a good idea.
Glad you enjoyed it! Pause and waiting before you act is a very good idea. Thanks for being part of BecomeNew -Bucky
❤❤
Soooooo GOOD 🎉❤
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