I think we will appreciate heaven more now that we have experienced a taste of hell. Like jumping in a cool lake on a hot day, or breathing fresh mountain air after leaving the city, we will be immersed in affection after having been inundated by affliction.
The Peel
Hell is the absence of love. It’s hard to imagine a life where love is non-existent. It would be a life where self is the only concern and any interactions with others are in support of self.
I truly believe that the true Ben would be horrified to know that he is creating a living hell for himself and for those around him. In fact, our difficult days are clearly driven by dementia and the monster that rages within him. He simply doesn’t have the capacity to control his emotions or act within healthy boundaries. He isn’t able to think about anyone but himself and how others can serve him. Even his prayers echo sentiments like, “Father God, please get them to do what I want them to do.”
The Fruit
Heaven is where we will be surrounded by pure love. Not one selfish thought or action will exist in heaven. I believe I will see the true Ben in heaven and he will be even more loving than he was before his disease. We will be amazed at the transformation!
My husband and I will be the ones who will most appreciate the true heavenly Ben. We have been the ones to experience him at his worst, so we will see the greatest difference when we see him at his best. Even though God has not removed Ben’s dementia, nor freed us from our current sufferings, we will look back through heaven’s window and be filled with joy for having experienced a taste of hell.
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Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me. Rejoice and be glad because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.
Matthew 5:3-12 (NET)
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