March 25
Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Philippians 4:5
Disappointments from being on the receiving end of neglectful behavior, having been ignored or overlooked, a harsh word spoken or expectations not met, all fuel hurt feelings that burn deeply within us and have the ability to take the harmony right out of life – if we allow it. The blows to our pride and self-esteem along with feelings of defeat can fester like an untreated wound – if we allow it. Our instinct is to toughen up, shut down our loving spirit, and continue along as though it doesn’t affect us, or even worse, perhaps retaliate in some subliminal way, if we allow ourselves. How easy it can be to avoid having contact with the person we consider at fault! But our heavenly Father tells us it is our self-control and forgiveness that must be evident, not our toughness.
Patient, loving behavior in the face of hurts and frustration is challenging and we are only capable of responding in a self-controlled, loving manner with God’s help and after sincere introspection. We too have neglected, intentionally or not. We too have disappointed, intentionally or not. None of us is without fault. We are human after all, and knowing God’s understanding of us, helps keep our feelings in perspective and guides our actions. How quickly hurt is diffused when we recognize this. How easy it then becomes to reach out once again, as Christ has taught us – in gentleness and mercy.
Heavenly Father, soften us with a merciful, loving spirit, no matter what circumstances we may be in, so that our actions may reflect the light of your love.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Philippians 4:5
Disappointments from being on the receiving end of neglectful behavior, having been ignored or overlooked, a harsh word spoken or expectations not met, all fuel hurt feelings that burn deeply within us and have the ability to take the harmony right out of life – if we allow it. The blows to our pride and self-esteem along with feelings of defeat can fester like an untreated wound – if we allow it. Our instinct is to toughen up, shut down our loving spirit, and continue along as though it doesn’t affect us, or even worse, perhaps retaliate in some subliminal way, if we allow ourselves. How easy it can be to avoid having contact with the person we consider at fault! But our heavenly Father tells us it is our self-control and forgiveness that must be evident, not our toughness.
Patient, loving behavior in the face of hurts and frustration is challenging and we are only capable of responding in a self-controlled, loving manner with God’s help and after sincere introspection. We too have neglected, intentionally or not. We too have disappointed, intentionally or not. None of us is without fault. We are human after all, and knowing God’s understanding of us, helps keep our feelings in perspective and guides our actions. How quickly hurt is diffused when we recognize this. How easy it then becomes to reach out once again, as Christ has taught us – in gentleness and mercy.
Heavenly Father, soften us with a merciful, loving spirit, no matter what circumstances we may be in, so that our actions may reflect the light of your love.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson