Posted by Discontented on June 01, 1999 at 13:06:33:
I would like to ask for prayers and/or comments and insight to the following:
I made a commitment towards the end of last year to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour. I have since felt the miracle of His grace, as I have witnessed the desires of my heart changing to be more in line with His will. Those who have known me a long time have been impressed at the strength I have possessed to enable me to walk a different path. Obviously, I am human and have stumbled, and continue to struggle with sin. But I feel confident with God at my side, which allows me to continue to be guided by the Spirit.
I have, however, encountered those that I consider close to me, who doubt the strength of my commitment. They know of the way I lived my life in the past, and feel that my trust in God is not enough to keep me from slipping back. It is as though they are already convinced that I will fail, and are just waiting...
I would like to pray for those who feel as though they must begrudge us our previous sins, instead of admiring our faith in the Lord to guide our hearts. I would like to pray for those who do not act as though the blood of Jesus Christ is a good enough reason for forgiveness. And I would like to pray for those who feel as though they have the right to judge others based on their perception of where our hearts should be. I pray for these people so that God will work in their hearts and relieve them of these worries, and may they be filled with love and compassion towards their brothers and sisters in Christ.