Recently I was struck by a thought that still has me pondering. Something I had never really thought of before. What if God has feelings like ours? Yes, I know He is perfect, He is in the spirit realm, He is omnipotent, He is omniscient, He is love, and yet we are made in His image. What if He feels hurt in a similar way that we feel hurt? How much pain do we cause God?

Well, maybe it sounds like an odd concept but please hear me out.

Regular readers are already familiar with my customer service pet peeve.  For newer readers, my deliberate, intelligent response to poor customer service is under construction. As a former customer service trainer and supervisor, my standpoint is that the representative is empowered to provide good service. When I encountered customer no service, in the past it was a trigger and I generally would react out of emotion rather than respond from intellect.

Unwelcomed Gifts

Last Friday I called an optometrist’s office to make an appointment for my husband to visit as a new patient. A female representative answered the phone. The interaction lasted only a few moments. She was rude. I responded assertively, although she had given me a blatant invitation to do battle with her, which I declined.

Before leaving the house for the day, I was prompted to do something for her. It doesn’t matter what that act of kindness was. Just know that I spent my resources of time, money and fuel to go to the office and present her with a gift. When I gave it to her, there was a hint of a smile at the corners of her mouth, very brief and fleeting but there just the same.

She asked, “Who are they from?”

I responded to her amiably, “Me.”

Her demeanor changed, she asked, “Why?”

I answered, “Because I wanted to brighten your day.”

Having never seen me before or discussed anything about the earlier call. She never inquired further. She emphatically stated, “My day is already bright, you can take this back with you.

Having placed it on the counter before her, I walked toward the office door to leave, I informed her that God had instructed me to give the gift to her and I left the office.

As I analyzed what had happened. I was hurt by her refusal to accept my gift.  As I talked audibly to God I heard the familiar inner voice say, “Sometimes it happens that way, gifts are rejected.”

I felt this hollowness like I had done something terribly wrong. A sinking feeling inside, I now find difficult to explain. I prayed and continued to ask for peace about the situation.

I knew that I had been obedient and my actions were out of love for God and my neighbor; the woman working customer service for the optometrist. Eventually I came to a place of peace. Although somehow I knew there would be more to come for me regarding the situation.

Then today I was in the kitchen getting some water when that still small voice spoke again clearly saying, “That is how I feel when my gifts are rejected.” I felt like I wanted to cry as I did in the doctor’s office. I knew what it meant. I realized I have hurt God by rejecting His gifts, although they were lovingly presented to me to meet my needs and help me to serve others.

I am still processing the idea that I have hurt God by rejecting His gifts. Not only was the pain of the cross endured on my behalf, and yours, but I have also caused pain by rejecting what He created for me.

Can you imagine that you may have done the same?

How much pain do we cause God?

We were created to love and be loved, what is the response registered with God when we fail to do so? He loves us and allowed His son to suffer an excruciating death in exchange for our privilege to live an abundant life in relationship with Him. What is the negative impact that results when His commands are not followed? How much pain do we cause God?

We are told not to grieve the spirit. Indeed we can. We can choose our sins however, we cannot choose the consequences.

Take Inventory and Take Action!

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”