I find it very difficult to always be kind to those who have hurt me either intentionally or by being immature or ignorant in their attitudes and actions. My natural instinct is to retaliate. “Eye for an eye” Right? Wrong! This is one of those bible verses that gets misquoted often. Don't take my word for it listen to what Jesus said in Mathew “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
This is some hard stuff to grasp! God mandates us to forgive and to be kind in radical ways. So how do we accomplish this?
Reflecting on His forgiveness for us helps us to show forgiveness ourselves.
Reflecting on His forgiveness for us helps us to show forgiveness ourselves.
First thing I try to do is to reflect on GOD for who HE is and what he has done for us, all though we hurt Him, God chose to die for us because He loves us that much. The ultimate radical act of kindness! This is something I tend to loose focus of sometimes. Not sure why, because when I sit and truly think about it I am astonished by His mercy and grace!
Once again my word of the year is “Focus”.
Once again my word of the year is “Focus”.
We can not do it on our own.
Next ~ Seek God in prayer ask for His guidance after all He has sent us the ultimate guide “HIS SPIRIT” to live inside of us. After asking we need to be willing to listen. By being in His word daily. How can we know HIS instructions if we don't read the manual?
Read His instructions.
B=Basic
I=Instructions
B=Before
L=Leaving
E=Earth
Next ~ Seek God in prayer ask for His guidance after all He has sent us the ultimate guide “HIS SPIRIT” to live inside of us. After asking we need to be willing to listen. By being in His word daily. How can we know HIS instructions if we don't read the manual?
Read His instructions.
B=Basic
I=Instructions
B=Before
L=Leaving
E=Earth
Another thing we should do is begin praying for those who have hurt us. I find it hard to be upset at someone if I am genuinely praying for them.
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. —Matthew 5:44
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. —Matthew 5:44
Dear Lord help me to be kind to everyone always filtering my words through your Spirit. Help me to see others as you see them.
In Jesus Name ~ Amen.
In Jesus Name ~ Amen.
