Following Instructions

This QuiltFOX Design pattern looks lovely, doesn’t it. The pattern tells me there are two top squares, mirrored, as well as two bottom rectangles, also mirrored.  That means that the center piece and the next round on the top are the same (unless, like me, you choose a material that points to the left or right), but from there on, each piece mirrors the other side. Also, keep in mind that each quadrant has 20 pieces.

For someone used to creating quilts, set up to do it several hours each day – this may be easy. I’ve lost my way several times. The first time was with the first set of directions. Fortunately, before I cut fabric, the designer provided an update that was much more explanatory.

However, this morning I sewed three pieces incorrectly and will have to get out the seam ripper and make corrections. Which, of course, reminded me that God is forgiving with us, but the incorrect items in our lives must be fixed or things will never fit.

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: (Luke 6:36-37 KJV)

But (I can hear yours just as easily as I said mine) they were wrong! Why should I be forgiving when it hasn’t even been requested?! Yes, I put emphasis on my sentences. I was emphatic that THEY WERE WRONG! Perhaps it was personally vindictive. Well, He covered that, too:

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. (Luke 6:35 KJV)

That’s sufficient, isn’t it? Nope. And it all has to do with love:

If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15 KJV)

Fortunately, we start with just two. Everything else should be based on these:

Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:36-40 KJV)

Does that mean we are supposed to put up with sinfulness? Again, Nope:

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. (Mark 6:11 KJV)

Jesus said that to His disciples as they went out to teach. If people will not heed His commandments, the judgment will be God’s, not ours. We may know it will come, we may tell them what will come, but the telling must be done with love. Remember Luke 6:35 above and Matthew 5:44 –  for enemies, or even friends who despitefully use you.

Remember, our own forgiveness can come from within ourselves.

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. (Luke 11:4a KJV)