This week I had a challenging encounter with a person who I felt was exceptionally rude to me. I fussed and fumed afterward, venting my feelings of indignation and hurt with family and friends (gossiping). There was a little voice in my head that was saying, “try and see the hurt and angry child in this person,” but I ignored that voice. Now, several days later, I am feeling convicted about my thoughts and actions, remembering Jesus’ words about forgiving someone seventy seven times. (Matt 18:22).
Then I read another passage this morning that hit home even further:
“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” (Luke 8:15)
Another translation said this, “Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart.”
Ouch. Had I kept Jesus’ word with a generous heart? Had I readily forgiven this person, knowing that inside they were a hurt and angry child? Further, had I clothed myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience? (Col. 3:12) A big no to all those questions.
Lord, help me to see you in others and Spirit, remind me of your Word, so that I may be a more compassionate and forgiving person. Amen.
Jane Springer is a certified Life, Wellness and Style Coach who assists women in taking care of themselves, in body, mind and spirit. She coaches women who want to lose weight, avoid diabetes, and feel great. She also helps them thrive after divorce. She also helps them to clear their closets of old clothes and outdated attitudes, so they can shine and feel confident.