2:232 – Disowned

#faithbites #faithjourney Disowned

I was listening to our NPR station today and they has a story about Illinois State University. They said school has been on for two days, and already 3 students have been disowned by their families for coming out at LGBTQ. That means no emotional, spiritual, financial, or familia support. A new chapter in life and totally alone.

This post isn’t about being LGBTQ rights. It’s about being disowned. Sent away, separated from your loved ones. Disowning is a sin of itself. Turning your back on loved ones for their sins is a sin.

Jesus loves us and forgives us. No matter what we do, he will grant forgiveness if we atone for our sins.

You will never be disowned by God. He made you, loves you, and works through you.

Scripture

• For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in. – Psalm 27:10
• “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. – Isaiah 49:15
• Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death. – Proverbs 19:18

Reflection

A child is a precious gift. A gift from God. They will do things that we disagree with or dislike or even are not Biblical. We see that yes, we should teach the words and discipline our children, but not put them to death.

When you disown someone, you are saying they are dead to you. You are giving up on a child of God for a sin. You can discipline in love and kindness. This isn’t easy, but to disown is against His commandments to loved our neighbors.

If you find yourself disowned, know that God will never abandon our forsake you. Even in the darkest night, he is there for you. The image of a nursing mother is strong. I can’t imagine what it would take to forget that child, but God’s love is even stronger and wouldn’t forget us.

It’s hard to love people who disagree with our believes. It may drive us crazy when we see them practice a religion or take actions that is different from is. No matter how hard that is, we are to love them. Discipline them in kindness but love.

Charge

Be careful with your words. Know that no matter how hard things get, you are loved by God. He will never disown or forsake you. Look at your family as a gift no matter how hard it is and their actions. Turn to God for guidance.

Prayer

Lord, we see a lot of hate and anger on the world. Be with those whose parents have turned their back in your commandments by disowning their own flesh and blood. Give them peace and change their hearts to love again. Jesus, remind us that you will always love us, never forsake us, and never disown us. You will love us and guide us until we meet in heaven and then forever more. In your name, we pray, Amen.