RECONCILING OUR HEARTS AND MINDS

“If we claim not to have sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we acknowledge our sins, then, since he is trustworthy and just, he will forgive them and purify us from all wrongdoing.” - 1 John 1:8-9, CJB

We have had a rough 2 years. Just when it’s safe to go back outside and enjoy ourselves, and each other, we get swept up in the whirlwind of COVID-19 and masks; not to mention all the other stuff going on in the world. People are walking around in fear, hurting one another, some losing loved ones. Our emotions are out of control. It’s hard when our minds are thinking one thing, but our hearts are feeling something else.

If you are someone who follows Judaism, you know we are in the midst of the 10 weeks of consolation. This is the time from the 9th of Av to Rosh Hashanah, where we examine our hearts and minds, and reconcile them. We do this by comforting one another through hurt and loss. We become compassionate to the feelings of others. We say a prayer every morning, thanking God for a brand-new day, and knowing our importance. This week is week 6, where “God shines his face on us and makes all things new.” We wander in the desert and walk in fear, but now he is bringing us out of that darkness; we are reborn. And now that although there is danger all around, we know that no weapon formed against us will prosper, and that Yeshua is always with us. Our hearts and minds are no longer in a battle.

In these next few weeks, we can rejoice in our renewal. God has purified our hearts, thoughts, our minds, and our lips. In this we can go to others and reconcile our differences with them. Let us make right anything that may be wrong. 

Be a Blessing and Be Blessed!

Morning Inspirational
By Rebbitzen Kathleen Rantz
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August 24th, 2021 | 16th of Ellul, 5781