I do agree with much you have written. I do believe in our sufferings we are being refined, made more like Him, that things are working together for our good. In our weakness, He is made strong. How we handle our disease can be a testimony to Him, no doubt, but how we treat others in their walk with Graves’ is also a testimony. We still must have Christlike behavior in our dealings with them. How often did Jesus look upon the people and have compassion? Paul says in Romans, “We then who are strong ought to bear with the weaknesses of the weak.” Also in Galatians, “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” While I can see Jesus taking a hard line with people who were filled with pride, I see nothing but compassion in His dealings with the sick. If we cannot escape sin/disease and fallen world, we still can overcome it by love…men will know we are His disciples by it. We can be more than conquerors in this disease or any other circumstance. Regardless how others are handling their Graves’, it is our obligation to be tenderhearted.
I hate to get all theological on you, I’m sorry if it offends anyone. (Even if you don’t agree with my religion, you’ll understand the sentiment, I hope). But I think of Moses, Aaron and Hur. In Exodus 17, the Israelites were fighting Amalek. As long as Moses held up his hand, Isreal prevailed, when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. His hands became heavy, he was weary of the battle. Aaron and Hur brought him a stone to sit on and THEY supported his hands..and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun and Israel won the battle. We have a tremendous opportunity here to hold each other up until the battle is won. We also have kind people willing to support us during our daily skirimishes with this disease.
I will not judge others’ for how they deal with this disease. My only prayer is that I exhibit truly Christlike behavior in how I respond to their suffering.
