How Trashy are You??????

I used to think I was a trash can for anyone who wanted to dump on me:

Then I realized that God had a different idea when he created me. I emptied all the trash.

As life has progressed I realized I was new:

I recently received an email that was vile--very like a rotten, maggot-filled dumpster.

VILE: extremely unpleasant.

"he has a vile temper"

synonyms:

foul, nasty, unpleasant, bad, disagreeable, horrid, horrible,dreadful, abominable, atrocious, offensive, obnoxious, odious,unsavory, repulsive, disgusting, distasteful, loathsome, hateful,nauseating, sickening;  disgraceful, appalling, shocking, sorry,shabby, shameful, dishonorable, execrable, heinous, abhorrent,deplorable, monstrous, wicked, evil, iniquitous, nefarious,depraved, debased;  contemptible, despicable, reprehensible;

It was not the first email I have ever received that was like this and will not be the last. I realized a long time ago that I am no one's garbage can. What a revelation that was! I re-purposed anything in my life that looks like a garbage can:

Oh God, my heart is quiet and confident. Psalm 57:7

My first response to this email was, “Wow Sally, you must be horrible.” But I decided to reject emotion for logic. I took each sentence/thought to the throne and asked God—is this me? Do I have any part of this? What do I need to change? We have to be willing to hear truth and correct it but tearing down by someone is not God.

We meditate on your kindness and your love. Psalm 48:9

As I was praying I forwarded the email to Mike. I finished praying and figured I would go over it more later and see there was any accuracy. The intent of the email seemed to be motivated by jealousy and hatred with nothing loving involved.

When I was done I called Mike and asked him if he had read the email. He was out on calls so he had not seen it. I asked him to call me when he was done reading and I went back to cleaning or something fun like that. I was praying in tongues when Mike pulled in the driveway.

I asked him what he was doing home, “I heard your voice.”

I have to say I really felt loved at that moment (even more so than normal). We went over the email line by line. Mike pointed out that Jesus was not present—there was no offer of reconciliation, no way to restore or repair. It was vile. Mike responded in a couple of different way but he is always kind and methodical both which is a wonderful mix.

After he left I went back to prayer. I realized how like God this all was…..

The world attacks in the vilest manner possible with nothing more in mind that to hurt you. The enemy of your soul wants to destroy you starting with “feelings”. Just whispering the name of God brings him running to your rescue. He presents truth. He responds on your behalf. He soothes you. He reaffirms that you are loved.

1 Peter 5:7 (AMP)  Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (MSG) So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.

We do not have to respond in the flesh or in our emotions to anything. We can look at it logically. The purpose of the enemy is to distract you and get you to partner up with him. Don’t do it. Irritated at someone? Hurt by people and their comments? Looking for the right words to respond? Don't do it. Do not be tempted to be negative, hateful or respond like you did before you were born again. 

Romans 12:9-21
Love in Action

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Be intentional about the people you allow to speak into and over your life—surround yourself with people who are growing in God and who build each other up. Even when iron sharpens iron it is a building up of each person.

Partner with God against the enemy—it’ll save you a lot of pain and you can get back to praying.