People get offended. Oh yes, sometimes no matter what you say or how you say it, the blame can come back to us, in very unkind ways. Support a friend on FB with your opinion and watch the vultures come out and tear you apart. Express your opinion on your wall and the haters are only too quick to give you a piece of their mind.
There are times when I have ministered to people and no matter how many times I gave them scripture, prayers, time, love, they still were bound and determined that their way was the right way. So why ask me for my help if you are not going to listen to it?
Jesus ministered to the rich young ruler who came and asked Him for His help. Jesus answered him, speaking the truth in love... and the ruler was offended and went his own way.
Has anything changed in this day and age? Nope. In fact, I dare say that it has gotten much, much worse.
I recently received a very bitter and vindictive letter from a woman I had ministered to years ago. She had been with another ministry for help with healing, and they sent her to me (because they could not work with her and warned me). After working with this woman for quite a while, she still refused to take any Biblical advice and at times, I had to speak the TRUTH IN LOVE, just as Jesus had to do. This woman apparently has been going from ministry to ministry seeking healing and you now can see the whole picture as to why she has not received it... Just like the rich young ruler, she did not want to take the advice given.
Being in ministry is not an easy life. We are ridiculed and cut down on a daily basis. Ministers are patient, loving and kind with people, but when we have to speak THE TRUTH, it OFFENDS and then we are seen as the meanies. So was Jesus, so I guess we are in good company. It's no wonder that a large number of Pastors and ministers move on to another profession.
But still, most of us choose to press on, believing that God has a plan. We have to turn the offended people over to the Lord and let Him handle it. I hang on to these verses every day...
Matthew 10:13-14 ~ If the home is worthy, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.
Matthew 5:12 ~ Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and celebrate, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way, they persecuted the prophets before you.
~Pastor/Teacher Kim ©Words To Heart Ministries, Inc. God’s Healing Power Radio Ministry. Kimberly Lemler Ministries. Kimberly Lemler. 1993-2019
