Is There Room In Your House?

There is always room for one more at my house!

Just as it is said that if you want something done, give it to a busy person, I have learned that there is always room for one more at the table, in my house, for my family.

On any given day, you can find my grandchildren running around tearing up my house. I fuss, cuss, scream, holler, and laugh. YEP, get tired trying to clean up behind them, but they love coming to grandmom's house, and they bring their friends. They know, and their families know that they will be safe; they will be fed; they will be disciplined (to some degree, not too much -- this is for you Nneka Barnes -- LOL).

While thinking about this earlier in the morning, I thought about God, and how there is always room for one more; one more time to forgive us; one more time for us to get it right; one more time to do the right thing; yes, one more time to love someone who spitefully use us.

I know the world no longer believes in forgiveness. I have seen that up close and personal. In fact it is demonstrated daily by our government; by our Christian brothers and sisters; our lawyers, and surely by many of us. We do not teach forgiveness in our homes. Children are sometimes made to say I am sorry but are not prepared to forgive. The usual answer today is well, just don't play with him or her or if he hits you again hit him back.

Thank God I was taught to turn the other cheek; to forgive 70 x70 daily. The Bible is where my Mother found the words to tell me, and I have since put into practice in my life: Matthew 18:21-35: Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven...

Unfortunately for many of us, we pick and choose those portions of the Bible that justify our behavior. Or we select those parts that allow us to feel good about ourselves. If you are never convicted by what you read in the Bible then maybe you should stop reading it. The Bible (even though believed by many is the history of the Jewish people and a book written for the sole purpose of controlling Black people) can be a valuable tool to teach values and principles; how to raise children; how to conduct one's self; how to treat others;. It is filled with wisdom.

I believe very strongly that each of us could change this world in some very positive ways just by learning to forgive -- yes, over and over and over again, and yes, the very same person. Since by now, many of us have learned that our way has not worked, and will not work, maybe, just maybe, we should try something new. FORGIVENESS may be the key.

Through forgiveness, we would be able to allow one more at our house; one more at our table; one more in our circle; one more in our Country; one more in our neighborhoods. Just think about it. WE JUDGE. We judge even when we are taught NOT TO JUDGE, and certainly do not judge ourselves.

Matthew 7:1-29
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye...

Many Christians appear to believe that it is their job to punish and save others. They like many others have taken on a job and role that would be best left to He who has made us all -- God Almighty. I personally believe that my directive is to teach, preach, and live a life that "might" lead others to Christ, by so living, I can and often do have to make room at the table or in my house for just one more. Vengeance is mine saith the Lord.

Instead of castrating your gay neighbor, live a life that shows God's love. Instead of ostracizing their lifestyle, live your lifestyle in a Godly manner. Instead of causing God to be put out there as non-existing, show that He lives for He lives in US. Be the first to offer a hand-up rather than a handout. NO ONE MADE YOU JUDGE and JURY. I don't care what the preachers preach from the pulpit -- if it is not love, do unto others as you would have them do unto you, forgiveness and repentance, then maybe you should find another church or better yet find a church that preaches, teaches, and demonstrates those qualities that are often talked about, but not practiced.

As God-fearing believers, we must practice what we preach. God does live. He lives in us and through us.

Is there room in your heart, life, house or at your table for just one more?

Peace and blessings always.