OUTLINE:

The Dichotomy of Ps 73:22-23
In order to “see it all as truth” (Eph 5), we must fully recognize/accept all influences in our lives. Our emotions may range from being “embittered…senseless” to walking with the Lord (and everything in-between). There’s nothing wrong with emotions, so long as we have a grip on them, righteously judging them. (ala Ac 21:10-15; Mt 26:36-42)

A Shepherd’s Lament
When sheep are stuck in the thicket, especially those who should know better, a shepherd’s first response is indignation. His second response is actually what is behind both the first and the second, that is love. After his anger subsides, his heart breaks.

“God demonstrates His own love”
At our very worst, God loved us. May we possess this same love towards others this Christmas, even though these same people break our hearts. (cp 1Jn 4:19)

MacDonald on 1Jn 4:19
“Such wonderful love draws our hearts out to Him in return. We say, ‘You have bled and died for me; from now on I will live for You.’”

Ecc 3:1 [ESV]
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

The Dichotomy of Ps 73:22-23
In order to “see it all as truth” (Eph 5), we must fully recognize/accept all influences in our lives. Our emotions may range from being “embittered…senseless” to walking with the Lord (and everything in-between). There’s nothing wrong with emotions, so long as we have a grip on them, righteously judging them. (ala Ac 21:10-15; Mt 26:36-42)

Ac 21:14
And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, “The will of the Lord be done!”

1Jn 2:15
Do not love the world nor the things in the world [e.g., what the world calls “Christmas”].

Mt 23:27 [Amplified Classic]
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you are like tombs that have been whitewashed, which look beautiful on the outside but inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything impure.

The Dichotomy of Ps 73:22-23
In order to “see it all as truth” (Eph 5), we must fully recognize/accept all influences in our lives. Our emotions may range from being “embittered…senseless” to walking with the Lord (and everything in-between). There’s nothing wrong with emotions, so long as we have a grip on them, righteously judging them. (ala Ac 21:10-15; Mt 26:36-42)

“God demonstrates His own love”
At our very worst, God loved us. May we possess this same love towards others this Christmas, even though these same people break our hearts. (cp 1Jn 4:19)