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There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18
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Leprosy is a contagious disease that affects the skin, mucous membranes, and nerves, causing discoloration and lumps on the skin and, in severe cases, disfigurement and deformities. Leprosy is now mainly confined to tropical Africa and Asia.
The word leprosy is mentioned in the Bible 40 times.
You may think what an odd word to study? Not really? When we look at the person and not the disease... It becomes a word that rings a familiar sound. My heart bleeds for the souls that are affected by something that they are not truly in control of but suffer in silence. Some wounds scar deeply at the hands of others. These actions may cause more pain than the disease or issue itself.
Do we look past the pain and truly see the person? Do we look into their eyes? Do we even take the time to understand? Or are we callous and or fearful humans and turn away!!! When we turn away we are labeling them as a “leper”. It’s this action that can wound their heart and can crush their soul! Where did the caring hearts go??
We must take a moment and think less of self and ask ourselves, are we wounding someone’s heart with words or actions? Are these words and actions in our control? Was our behavior towards them unjust? The biggest question becomes did it pass the litmus test through God's teachings?
I do believe we have all had at least one time in our life where we may have turned away from the possibility of making a difference.
In reality, it is a lack of compassion, understanding, and love.
I also believe at some point in this journey of life, someone has made us feel like the “leper’ ... There are times that life circumstances may have placed us in situations beyond our control. Leaving us bewildered and confused and doing the best we can with the situation we are given.
However, we may run into those uncaring hearts that make us feel as if we have a disease that they did not want to catch. I feel it truly is a great loss for all parties. And you may have missed getting one step closer to feeling one of the most incredible loves you could ever experience. It’s a love that goes beyond our own understanding.
When you have been made to feel like a "leper" you will find that there is always a special soul that is ready with an open heart to embrace this love !! This soul will have no hidden agenda. They will look into your eyes, and see who you truly are. And they will stay because they are a gift from God and came to love and cheer you on, as you heal and grow. They will show you love deeper than you can ever imagine.
I think we must do a better job in how we care, communicate, and love... Don’t turn away, be supportive. Try walking just one day in their shoes... Your understanding may grow. Your compassion may grow. Your LOVE may grow. It just takes one text, one phone call, one visit to show you care...
But if you find the need to turn away. Just remember life goes on, the stories change, and the tables turn. And one day you may walk in the “lepers” shoes…
Jesus is the perfect role model! He never turned away. As a matter of fact, many of His miracles can be witnessed in the life of the leper! He can heal the disease. He can heal the issue. He can heal our souls! He can heal hearts!
Miracles happen when we put our trust in Him.
It’s Him It’s always Him!! Jesus is a friend for LIFE !!!
And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. Mark 1:40-42
“And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” Matthew 8:2-3 KJV
Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner
Bible Verses From NIV, / Sinner's Prayer
Inspiring Music: YouTube
Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull
I never thought of leprosy as a person. This was very insightful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to read the post. I appreciate you ! Have an amazing evening :)
ReplyDeleteWow. That was so insightful. I never thought of it that way. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to comment on my post. You made my day :) May you be blessed with His abundant LOVE !
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