Responsible Responsiveness

Malachi 1:2 (Life Recovery Bible)

"I have always loved you," says the Lord. But you retort, "Really? How have you loved us?"

We can take the granted for granted! The skies above, the air we breathe, the beauty of nature, things we use. God has granted us so much. What is our response to such provisions? There is something wrong with our chilling coldness of attitude when God gives us such lovely gifts, the gift of Jesus Christ, the gift of recovery, the gift of transformed lives. Our response reflects a poverty of soul and a personality problem. How do we react to compassionate kindness and caring concern? Are we afraid to display emotion? In the context of Recovery are we seeking to remain detached, not wanting to be too sensitive in or reaction to our new found way of living? Do we adopt a degree of hardness in refusing God's love?

MEDITATION

Today, please listen; don't turn a deaf ear as in "the bitter uprising," that time of wilderness testing! (Hebrews 3:8 the Message)

Israel provoked God by such an attitude, and He was displeased. Refusal of God's love is offensive to Him. Love should generate love. Strange moving of the emotions should result from acceptance of the divine openings given to us as sinful rebels. What amazing grace!

A Jewish Rabbi one day was told by a devoted student, "Master, I love you". The teacher looked up sadly and asked the young man, "Do you know what hurts me, my son" The student rather puzzled stammered a few reckless words, which was a confession of not understanding. The Rabbi concluded: "My question is neither confusing nor irrelevant: if you do not know what hurts me, how can you truly love me?"

Let us apply that to us, realising self-examination exposes inner attitudes as well as outward responses. What hurts God and hurts inflicted upon others, are relevant to our relationships. Sentimental response is not enough. From the deepest recesses of my being there has to be a real feeling for God. The first and great commandment - Deuteronomy 6:5 (The Life Recovery Bible) You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.

PRAYER

Forgive me for stumbling and hesitating, Lord. Draw me by Your great love, to a responsible response to YOU as my God and my Saviour.