What I'm For

I have found myself mired in reactionary thought and arguments against various ideas, specifically in the world of mental illness and how to approach mental health as a Christian. I felt God asking me to record what I'm for rather than what I'm against, to root myself in Him and His truth. I've written a few (few being a relative term to how many I could have written) of the things I've found to be Scripturally defensible.

... God's glory in the face of Christ, for that glory to shine in our hearts and transform everything we do.

... compassion, that we would rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.

... mercy, for not throwing the first stone.

... praising God, even amidst darkness we don't yet understand, because the darkness has not overcome the light.

... singing a new song to God, for His mercies that are new every morning.

... art and writing, creative endeavors that reflect the One who created everything by merely speaking.

... reading the Bible, the letter of love and mercy written to us so that we might reach out for God, though He is not far from each one of us.

... singing hymns and spiritual songs that base themselves in Scripture and deep theology.

... simple theology well-lived.

... community in the body of the Christ and camaraderie and love as adopted children of God.

... joy even amidst sorrow.

... peace with God amidst the chaos of human relationships.

... patience with the brokenhearted and downcast.

... kindness shown to strangers, enemies, and loved ones alike.

... gentleness in how we deal with those mired in sin.

... truth to triumph in all circumstances, bridled by compassion and love.

... self-control, and failing that, for casting ourselves at the foot of the cross in gratitude for God's mercy toward us.

... declaring with Creation the greatness and beauty of God.

... declaring with the Cross the steadfast love and mercy of God.

... declaring with the Resurrection the immeasurable wisdom and justice of God.

... declaring with the Ascension the supremacy and eternal reign of Jesus Christ.

... wielding these realities with faith against the Enemy's attacks.

... trusting these realities when our limited perspectives fail us.

... presenting these realities to the ones currently estranged from God.

... offering these realities as encouragement to the redeemed.

... stories that attest to these realities, whether paragraph-length parables or multi-book series or things in between.

... talking to God about His glory.

... talking to God about His desires.

... talking to God about our needs.

... affirming my faith in God verbally, to Him and to those around me.

... listening to God in the quiet moments, in reading Scripture, in observations, and in daily conversations.

... looking expectantly for how God will turn evil, grief, pain, and sorrow for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

... praying for miracles.

... accepting God's answer of "My grace is sufficient for you."

... loving God supremely, with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

... trusting Jesus's provision for when I fail.

... Jesus's uncontested reign when Death is defeated.

... eternal delight and rapture in eternity when God is our light.

... thanking God for all these things and every other blessing in Christ.

What about you? Do any of these resonate with you, or do you have some new ones you would put on your own list?