This is from a Christian group I receive devotionals from. Thought some might find it encouraging and helpful as we deal with so much anger/bitterness and hard feelings. If you are offended by the Christian content, Please believe this is in no way posted to offend others belief system. I'm simply sharing from my own faith. If you are offended by Christianity, pass over the post. LouLou
Be Encouraged Today. Your help is in the Lord. 9/18/03
There is so much power in the words we speak. There is so much good that can come out of the love we share. Use your words for good today. Let God's love pour out of you. Speak to edify and not to tear down. Love your enemies. Pray for them. Bring glory to God!!
But I tell you love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. If you love those who love you, what reward will your get? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:44,46,48
God has given us a mind to think. He has given us a tongue to speak with. He has given us the ability to make decisions. So, why do we make the wrong decisions so many times? We need to start taking responsibility for our actions. It needs to start right now. It really bothers me to hear people curse each other out and speak of ways that they will retaliate with such hatred for a wrong that was done to them. We all get angry sometimes but what does our Lord tell us we should do? He wants us to love our enemies and pray for them. It's not always so easy is it, especially when our enemies have done things that are unimaginable? The Lord says "vengeance is mine." What exactly does that mean? It means that the Lord will protect His children and take care of those who have hurt us. Sometimes, He tests us by allowing things to happen just to see how we will react. Don't forget, He said He would never test us beyond what we can bare. And, don't think that anything ever goes unnoticed by our Father in heaven. He will punish those who do wrong to us even if we never see it in our life time. You can be assured the Lord will reward or punish each one of us as He sees fit. We will all stand before His judgement seat at the last and final judgement day. When anyone repents and asks Jesus for forgiveness, it is then and only then that our sins will be remembered no more. Praise God for that promise! Pray and ask God to help those who do not repent because the Lord will deal with the unrepentant heart of everyone.
Sometimes there will be those things or situations that are out of our control. But the decision to react accordingly is ultimately ours. The best quality of a person is the ability to humble themselves and not react with hatred or harsh words. By turning the other cheek, you can affect the way someone strikes back at you. You can set an example of God's love, mercy and forgiveness. You can imitate our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Very few people will actually admit when they have done you wrong. Very few parents will actually apologize to their children when they have wronged them. Very few spouses will apologize to their spouses when things are said out of anger. Most of us have said, "apologize for what" and walk away harboring anger in our heart. Most will just put on the sin of pride and wait for the other to take the first step, which might never come. So many times, we allow anger to put up a barrier between us and our children, allowing it to bring out the worst part in us. Stop it! Stop it now! It does no good! It does not bring glory to God! Stop allowing the hurt to continue! Stop allowing the unforgiving heart to take over! Let love cover the sin, anger, vengeance and hurt. God has given us all a mind to use for His glory. God has poured out His love, mercy and forgiveness on us. So, let's turn around and share what God has graced us with. Remember that loving someone is humbling yourself before them, time and time again. Make your heavenly Father proud to call you His child. Will you start making Him proud today?
Be Encouraged. (Jeanette)
