THE SILENT KILLERS

We all know that words can kill, mame, and destroy relationships....but so can SILENCE!  It's a
s-l-o-w, but effective death!

"Body language" is very effective.  My mother used to only raise an eyebrow--and I would immediately realize she was upset with me.  Dirty looks, heads hanging down, or shaking one's head in disgust, etc. are other ways the body speaks.

REJECTION involves ignoring, turning your back on a person, withdrawing (walking away; removing yourself; shutting down); not receiving anything from a person.  I have a couple close relatives (well--they're supposed to be close) who won't ACCEPT anything I have to offer them....not a gift, not love, not anything!!!  But, what I've come to learn is that if they won't accept me--they're rejecting the Christ in me.  The more I try to show them His-kind-of-love, the more they REJECT me!

It has always been my weakest spot....to feel rejected.  However, I am learning this:  "When I am weak" (and I am weak and vulnerable in the area of REJECTION)--"He is strong through Me."[II Corinthians 12:9-10]  The Holy Spirit is my "Spiritual Trainer," and  the Bible is my manual to overcome rejection by exercising my FAITH and building up my spiritual muscles in this area.

And what I'm s-l-o-w-l-y learning is that "they" (those who reject me, and the love that I offer,  over-and-over again) are getting weaker and failing to thrive becaue they're refusing to forgive and therefore are starving themselves from a relationship with the Lord.  For if they REJECT (the Jesus in me), they are rejecting Him as well.  They're shooting themselves in the foot!  They are walking cripples!  They are walking away from what they have need of.  Oh--it's not me that they need....it's God's love (and forgiveness) that they have NEED of.   

I John 3:14(b) says, "He who does not love his brother abides in death.   Yes--it's a s-l-o-w death to REJECT love!  [See verses 10-15]

Jesus expressed His love for us by dying in our place.  He set an example for us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER as He loved us.  He died so that we can LIVE, LOVE, and have LIFE (a more abundant life)!