As much as I'd like to argue against that stereotype, it is somewhat true. Hey, I'm human right? But on the other hand, I am a child of God with the gifts of the spirit at hand: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
So here's what has been happening lately...
People who have road rage; swearing at me, sticking their snicker size middle fingers at me, yelling through their windows and bla bla. Next, there are the people who I work with/for that man oh man, just may get on that very last, tiny bit of nerve I have left. & then, those people from random places; church, family, a friend's friend's friend, and..(well, you get it.)..that do not always talk to me in the nicest way or are socially incapable of talking to someone with some decency.
About a year and a half, I would have probably snapped back with a witty/hurtful/disrespectful comment. I've had a hard time lately with these situations because I feel like it is constantly happening. Then I think "Well, I can't just let them walk all over me." Where does the balance of being walked all over and then responding to situations come in? I'm still learning..
When do I say something to "defend" myself? or when do I just leave it because it really is just the other person that has some issues they need to figure out for themselves? When am I allowed to speak?
Everyone thinks that the discernment of the spirit comes into play when "serious life issues" pop up. I think it applies to a lot in life. I have to use discernment constantly; when to speak, react, approach, let go & when to hold on. It is still a major learning process, but that is the beautiful thing about life; you never know everything. There is always something new to learn and new ways to grow. God has taught me that I do not always feel like I have to handle a situation, I can just let it go. I'm learning to have peace about situations, patience in the face of flippancy, and joy in the sweet presence of the Lord. I'm always learning how to approach different situations. It is so crucial to trust in the Lord and let God be God. He knows best, and i'm finally letting that guide my life and direct me in how to handle different positions that I am put in.
Simply put, God is my father and friend but He is almighty, majestic, and above all else.
again, this post is all over the place, but you get it....i hope.
About a year and a half, I would have probably snapped back with a witty/hurtful/disrespectful comment. I've had a hard time lately with these situations because I feel like it is constantly happening. Then I think "Well, I can't just let them walk all over me." Where does the balance of being walked all over and then responding to situations come in? I'm still learning..
When do I say something to "defend" myself? or when do I just leave it because it really is just the other person that has some issues they need to figure out for themselves? When am I allowed to speak?
Everyone thinks that the discernment of the spirit comes into play when "serious life issues" pop up. I think it applies to a lot in life. I have to use discernment constantly; when to speak, react, approach, let go & when to hold on. It is still a major learning process, but that is the beautiful thing about life; you never know everything. There is always something new to learn and new ways to grow. God has taught me that I do not always feel like I have to handle a situation, I can just let it go. I'm learning to have peace about situations, patience in the face of flippancy, and joy in the sweet presence of the Lord. I'm always learning how to approach different situations. It is so crucial to trust in the Lord and let God be God. He knows best, and i'm finally letting that guide my life and direct me in how to handle different positions that I am put in.
Simply put, God is my father and friend but He is almighty, majestic, and above all else.
again, this post is all over the place, but you get it....i hope.
It's so easy to walk in love when everyone is loveable...but it is when it's hard to love, and we still do, that the glory Jesus is able to shine forth. "His strength is made perfect in weakness." THANK GOD!
ReplyDeleteWhen we know Him reacting like Him comes more naturally. When we die to self, we become alive-IN HIM.
So in other words...all this you are going through...It's all good! :-)
<3