“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37
Respond, Don’t React
Recently someone did something that was hurtful to me. My first inclination was to react and be upset. It seemed unwarranted, unfair. I calmed down and spent time talking to the Lord about it. I began to wonder what had prompted the person to act the way they had. I began to pray for the person…and was able to extend forgiveness. I felt like the Lord helped me to respond rather than react. As I went through this process, my heart was healed and the hurt was lifted. I asked the Lord to fill my heart with compassion.
A sentence I read caught my attention. “Ground that is filled with roots of bitterness needs to be plowed by the grace of God.” It was a good opportunity to ask the Lord to protect my heart from any bitter roots. They can sometimes grow without our being aware of them!
My energy level is low today, but I wanted to be sure to mention two prayer requests.
– I started the accelerated treatment near the end of May for the persistent infection. Please pray for it to be effective.
– Our winter weather is coming with cold, wet, gray days—sometimes windy and stormy. I find winter hard. It seems to accentuate my physical situation and my aloneness. I’d appreciate your prayers for “winter grace.”
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).
I have been forgiven much by friends, loved ones, and especially by the Lord. Walking through this recent experience was a good lesson for me to remember to extend that same forgiveness. I’m grateful for the reminder.
Lord, we give our hurts over to You. Help us to forgive, as You have forgiven our many sins. May our own hearts not be filled with bitter roots, but with love. Amen.
Father God I pray the treatment for Sally’s infection would totally eradicate it. Please minimize or completely block any side effects.
Pour out Your “winter grace” on Sally. Wrap her in the love and light of the Holy Spirit physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually lifting her above and beyond the wet gray days.
In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
I’m not a fan of winter, either… more so than when I was younger.
The thought just came thru that maybe it’s a time of rest (like the flora and fauna) and recuperation (warm soups and comfort food) and time to spend with the Lord in the Word and fellowship for rejuvenation.