To Apply Can Be Hard

Apply....... 

My one word that was spoken to my heart for 2013.....
I blogged about "applying" all I had learned from what I had endured in 2012. 
(You can ready "Apply 2013" Here)

What I did not know nor realize at the time what it was specifically I was to apply.....
Which new lesson was being sent down for me to become more of Him an less of me. 

Loving people in general has always came easy for me.....
From family, to friends , and complete strangers......
It is part of my DNA, one of my gifts, who I was created to be.

Forgiving was another easy peasy for me.....
I tend to forgive a lot faster than some.......
I speak my mind,  I am done and time to move on....
Right??? Right. 

Wrong.
~sheesh~

Yes I love with all my heart.....
Yes I forgive completely.....
But for me to say it has all been complete and total Christ love and forgiveness....??
Not so much. 

He is bringing me to a new level......
I am learning to "apply" HIS love and forgiveness.
~Yes I am still a work in progress~

Apply to those who have done wrong ....
Apply to those who have lied.....
Apply to those you have broken my heart......
Apply to those who have deceived me.....
Apply to those who have hurt my feelings.......
Apply to  situations I don't like. 

He is teaching me to apply His love and forgiveness to situations and circumstances that have  rocked me to the my very core.  
Love those who have taken from me....
Forgive those who have purposed to harm my heart....
To apply all; even when I can not control the outcome.

I am to love regardless of  my hurt feelings.....
I am to forgive no matter how many times I am stepped on....
I am to love in spite of who they are......
I am to forgive even when the pain is unbearable....
I am to be the light of Christ,love and forgive even to those I do not like. 



Colossians 3:12-15
(12) Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies,kindness,humility,
meekness, longsuffering; (13)bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so must you do. (14) But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. (15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body;and be thankful. 

I realize there are times in life when loving and forgiving can be a piece of cake.
 My lesson lies in the times it's not easy....
When my tears are constant....
My anger is overwhelming......
My trust is broken.....
 He is teaching me to love and forgive as He does.
~ I am forever grateful He never leaves me as I am. ~

Do you have a situation or circumstance that needs love and forgiveness? 
Are there areas you need applying as I do?
I want to encourage you to continue to apply even when it is you yourself that needs love and forgiveness.....
I continue to allow my daddy God to do a work in me.....
I pray you do to!

To apply can be hard.........

Xoxo
Stacey