The More Things Change...

It has been more than five years since I stopped writing Barnabas Notes on a regular, weekly basis. A lot has happened and changed in my life in those five years. For one thing, I now publish the notes in this blog rather than sending them out via email. Hopefully, an even larger number of people will be able to read them.

Several things have not changed, however. Pain and suffering are still here, aren't they? People still need encouragement...and to tell the truth, I still need to be offering it. In this format (the blog), it will not be as necessary to publish a note of encouragement once a week. In fact, it will be easier to publish them even more often on occasion. So, here is the first of a new round of encouraging notes from friend Barnabas.

One undeniable truth is that while the ultimate source of our suffering and discouragement is our enemy, that serpent of old, Satan himself, it is also true that suffering and discouragement very often manifest themselves in our lives through the actions of other people. It doesn't matter if we refer to the guy who cuts us off in traffic, or someone with whom we have close relationship who betrays, attacks, or in some other way causes us suffering and pain. I am sorry to say and ashamed to admit that I have been on both sides of that coin; both victim and perpetrator of such pain and suffering.

What do we do in those situations? Well, if you are the perpetrator the answer is a very easy one--repent of your sins and ask both God and your victim to forgive you. Until you do, you are in violation of God's will and stand outside of His grace (Ephesians 4:30 and Galatians 6:10 are just two examples of Scripture which we need to remember at this point).

If you are the victim, the answer becomes a little more difficult. Depending on the level of pain and suffering it will be hard to respond in the right way, but not impossible. God's Word tells us to respond in love. When all the passages concerning love for our fellowman are put together, there is no one left out...no one we do not have to love, and that includes our enemies (Matthew 5:44). And if you love your enemies you will not take into account a wrong suffered (1 Corinthians 13:5). What!?? That's right! I told you it becomes more difficult to respond in the right way, didn't I?

It is true that sometimes other actions are required that may not be perceived to be loving. Those Christians who continue to live a sinful life are to be shamed by the church's refusal to keep company with them (2 Thessalonians 3:14). The apostle Paul used very strong language in a letter to the Corinthian church that he knew would cause some pain, but was necessary (2 Corinthians 11:4). This same apostle told Titus to "rebuke...sharply" those who were causing problems in the church (Titus 1:13). And yet, all of these actions (which some consider exceedingly negative) were (and are) to be done in love.

So, when those around you (stranger or loved one) act in such a way as to cause you pain and suffering, remember the pain and suffering each of us caused our God and which resulted in His dying on the cross. Then, remember that you must stand before Him and answer for your deeds done in the flesh (2 Corinthians 5:10). I will not have to stand before God and answer for what someone did to me, but I will have to answer for how I responded to it. That fact helps me try to respond the way Jesus did.

The more things change the more they stay the same, someone once said. The pain and suffering today is not a different pain and suffering of five years ago, or 5,000 years ago. There is still a place for the encouraging words of Barnabas. I hope these words will help you to make yourself right with God no matter what your enemy hurls your way. Remember, just like always, God loves you and so do I.

Donnie Bates