Deep emotions

Luke 6 : 6 - 11

"Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath?" But they were filled with fury......

In the past week I have heard several people talk about how the past has affected them deeply, mostly in negative ways. Deep emotions are expressed, of hurt, of pain, often due to being on the receiving end of injustice from those closest to them. This has resulted in a self protective way of relating to others, a means of avoiding more hurt and vulnerability.

As beautiful as a winter landscape is, it is never life giving when it exists within the heart. It leads to a life of unfreedom, where the liberating power of the gospel cannot begin to touch and heal. When the opportunity arises, I would like to ask these dear ones whether they hear God's invitation to come to him to be freed.

As I look at Jesus' response to the man with the shriveled hand, I see great compassion, one that frees him to go beyond the 'rules' of sabbath that were active during his time. On the other hand, the 'fury' of the Pharisees is another type of deep emotion that reflects their rigidity and lack of freedom. They were very religious but had not allowed their hearts to be freed from outer rules and regulations in order to embrace inner freedom.

It is much easier to stick to the rules. I am also a person who finds security in doing things the 'same old way'. Not very open to people who are more easy going with their plans. I am glad though, that over the years, the Lord has used my family members, who are opposite in temperament to 'sandpaper' the rigidity in me. It has not come easily, and sometimes with much anger and frustration from me. But the result of submitting to God's transformation has been good.

It helps me respond to people and situations with much compassion, rather than with rigidity. I know that I do notice sooner when I react with anger.......those times when my sense of security is threatened.

Deep emotions tell us much about ourselves, and when brought to God for healing will surely lead to much inner freedom.