By: Elizabeth Haarberg

People are Not Perfect

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

Why do we need people in our lives? These creatures that stumble, say the wrong thing, are easy to anger, the list could go on and on.

I’m pursuing a masters degree in counseling currently and there are conversations toward technology, including kiosks and robots designed to help people through trauma and answer questions about life. I’m actually in favor of using all resources that assist someone, but I don’t think we will ever replace human contact. Human connection is more than the correct answers and a formula that someone can apply to their life. A heart-to-heart connection with someone is where the Holy Spirit can move and shift the way a person thinks and feels.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26 English Standard Version

People will hurt you. I know I would if you and I were in relationship. So how do we inoculate ourselves against the pain? We cling to Jesus and give the hurt to Him and start again. Also, people are not the whole problem.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 English Standard Version

When I can recognize that Satan has an agenda on Earth and he uses humans to advance that itinerary it becomes easier to see the bigger picture, continue to have compassion, and make decisions on how to proceed.

When dealing with others, love is important but using holy discernment can also help us navigate what our next move is. My rule is, it’s easy to leave and abandon; it’s much more difficult to stay. As much as I may want to disconnect from relationships that are hard or aren’t going in the direction I think they should, God may have something else to say. Listen to His voice, pray, worship and lift up the difficult people in our lives and God will give us answers in what to do next.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado