Seven Woes, part 2
Woe to us when we protect wolves.
Will we fight to discern between mercy and deception?
This is a merciful generation: one that hears the silent wounded and is willing to make sacrifices toward their healing. Yet such a generation must be cautious—Satan will seek to use our mercy against us.
Sometimes it is extremely difficult to distinguish between a healing sheep and a patient wolf. But by nature, wolves are carnivores. Eventually they show their teeth. Unfortunately, if we have protected them in the name of misled mercy, they may bare their teeth in a position of influence that wounds more deeply than we could have imagined.
Wholeness is a process. We stumble, pause, get up, take another step, fall, weep from discouragement, take an offered helping hand, get up, and stumble again. But the goal is clear: we are moving toward God. Pilgrims ask for forgiveness in the journey.
Contrast that with one who speaks of moving but stands still. One who says, “If you love me, you will endorse and even defend my right to sin.” Whether in the realm of personal morality or global business, this reveals the heart of a wolf. This is not a request for patience in the process. This is a request for blessing on transgressions.
May we be merciful, and wise.
What do you do when you realize you have married the wolf in sheep’s clothing? Do you choose to stay to honor your commitment? Or do you flee from the wolf? I want to love him into becoming a sheep, the way God loved me when I was unlovable.
Oh, Julia, my heart aches as I think of you and so many men and women who are familiar with this depth of pain. Such discernment seems best done in community with trusted leaders and friends. I am praying today that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, will guide you with godly counsel and guard your heart with His powerful presence.
Thk You beautiful Alicia for ALWAYS having a word that brings light, life, and sparks a deeper desire for more of God. You are a gift!
Thank you, my beautiful friend, for your encouragement! Karyn, surely Jesus will one day grant us more time together, yes? #hope
Hello, I’m new to your blog, but not your writing. Was so challenged and blessed by Anonymous. Today’s post dovetails so well with my personal Bible study. We are studying the book of Revelation via Precept. This week and next we are studying antichrist, whose MO, for a time, is deception, then all out war. He uses those he deceives for his evil purposes. We must be watchful and wary, for our enemy seeks to distract and deceive us. In the end, he will be defeated, praise God. Thanks for a beautiful reminder to be careful in this day in which we live.
The last book is sobering, isn’t it. How grateful we are that Jesus sent us the Spirit of Truth to lead us…now…all the way to the very last page. Thanks, Leah, for posting!
May the Lord season my speech not with words to tickle itching ears but with truthful words that lead others to Truth. Of course, all words rooted in love and for kingdom gain. Powerful imagery here, Alicia.
This series is hard for me to offer…the woes are like aches within me…I just wish I could offer them face-to-face (with love in my voice) to each soul who reads them. Thank you, Elaine.
Very timely word for this generation, and quite difficult. We definitely need the Holy Spirit’s wisdom.
Amen. Holy Spirit lead us all into Jesus’ ways. (Thank you for reading, Karla.)
This is a very timely message as I will share it with a new believer , and coworker who is struggling to feel loved by fellow believer s. And not being rejected by us.
Teresa, I am praying now for your friend. May Jesus grant her discernment and grace.
“Pilgrims ask for forgiveness in the journey.” Yes…this spoke right to me. Thank you for sharing the wisdom God gas given you. It is such a blessing!
Thank you, Nicki! You’re a blessing to me. I’m so grateful for our friendship.