May #jammed: Growing Grace.

Day 143: Sensitivity.

“Wise conversation is way over the head of fools;
    in a serious discussion they haven’t a clue.” Proverbs 24:7 (MSG)

One of my favorite sermons illustrates the delicacy of an orchid, and I couldn’t help but grab one when they were on sale.  I did everything that I laughed at during her sermon …watered it with ice-cubes, putt it in a humid spot …and I felt so victorious when it bloomed beautifully!

The first nice Spring day, I opened every window in the house to let the fresh air chase the stale Winter air out …and it chased the life right out of my orchid. They do not like crisp Springtime breezes! I laughed as the petals kept drifting to the ground, regardless of my attempts to save it’s life.

Today’s verse tells us to be on the lookout for people who are not wise to what we are saying. Scripture calls them “fools” who “haven’t a clue,” and that can be true. What does this look like in real life? Insensitivity. Though Jesus died for all of us, not everyone is “clued in” to the fact that we’re all supposed to face outward in love.

On the contrary, sensitivity can behove us and befall us. It can prevent us from moving on, when sometimes the thing we’re supposed to save needs us to let go. It can also alert us to a friend in need of encouragement or a child bending the truth.

It’s a wonderfully wise trait to carry a sensitive heart to the people that we love. It’s a direct reflection of His heart, a piece of His image in us.

The orchid’s purple pot sits on my desk as a reminder to repurpose what is too complicated to maintain in it’s original state. When I’m tempted to become wrapped up in my own agenda, wants, and needs …that empty pot reminds me to get out of my own head and start paying attention to the hurting world around

Not everyone will attribute a sensitive heart to wisdom. A heart guided not by the fleeting feelings of this world or the logical legalism aired out on social media feeds can seem pretty “freak-ish” in our society. God’s children sense more that what’s seen because we follow His lead.

Father, Praise You for sensitive hearts. Thank You for the gentle way You guide our hearts through Your Word to be attentive to the goodness in everyone. Forgive us for coldhearted and unsympathetic moments, when our pride is too big for our heart to see past. Bless us to show compassion and love to all people. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 Get the conversation started by commenting below, and let’s encourage one another as we face life in 2017 armed with grace! 

#greatgrace17

Happy Heart-opening,

Megs

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