There's no faulting the Word of God. It is an oracle, a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered, even for those who are just "trying" it out.
I can't say that once you have "tried" it out you will leave the same - something changes - there will be a lot more questions posed.
So, with all the uproar of dealing with people that grate us up the wrong way, how do we go forward?
This wasn't an easy question I asked myself the other day. "Lord, how do I see beyond all this and focus on the bigger picture?"
It is about self - it is about looking deep within and reacting. Not reacting because you have to but because you need to and you need to in a different way, where you come out the winner!
It's not easy. This whole situation defines spiritual maturity. Even the eldest person slips up, we all do, thank Daddy we are human. And right now I will stop imagining if we weren't human.
In our spiritual core, we rely on the unction of the Holy Spirit to lead and direct. If you call yourself a Christian but don't rely on the Holy Spirit, something is amiss. Re-calculate your faith, your walk and where you headed.
Who leads you? What leads you?
I found myself reacting through flesh in these situations, not the wisest choice, I know. I realized this after a pity-party, which had me as the only guest mind you.
Reacting through flesh was out of my anger or irritation. It didn't leave room for forgiveness or for me to see things differently. It resounded ME ME ME, selfish, yes. I reacted through defense.
Like martial arts, defense is key. You need to be quick and alert. Depending on the art, you either defend with violence, causing harm and pain, basically weakening your enemy so they are unable to react OR you defend clean.
I chose the first option. Defend causing pain, so there is no longer a reaction but just hurt or more anger.
Help Lord!
Boom! Romans 12 vs 9 - 21 Title: Christian Ethics (hence the titles of this blog)
Ready: "Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone's eyes. If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord. But do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good."
I have been reading this passage daily, taking up the Holy Spirit to embed in me and change in me what needs to be changed in order for me to practice the above with a bigger picture of dealing with friction situations.
This doesn't only filter through my relationships around me but also in my marriage and in my dealings with ministry......it's so easy to become self-absorbed.
Forgive. Forget.
Live in the freedom of the Word, there's power in the Scriptures.
