2 minute read.
Daily Reading: 2 Chronicles 31-32 GW; Psalms 112 GW
Good manners bring light.
Growing up, I heard my mom say on many occasions say, “You don’t have to be mean.” Only in therapy in my fifties is understanding dawning. My mother was telling me, I had a choice in how I respond to situations. When things didn’t go my way, I became angry and somewhat challenging to deal with at times. Growing in Christ teaches me to respond differently.
Jesus helps you realize; you’re hurting heart isn’t permission to mistreat others. Trouble in life is something we will experience:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 GW)
Whatever storm we face, Jesus overcame it for us. Accepting the trouble that comes our way means trusting God to get us through it. Why? Because of Jesus, He overcomes the world with His death and resurrection. In Him, we have His eternal light shining through us.
Bring the Light
When we choose courtesy towards others rather than justice for ourselves, we’ll bring light into our lives. God’s economy is counterintuitive. Instead of hurting those who hurt you, love them. Practice the fruits of the spirit in all of your relationships:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 GW)
To receive God’s gifts from the Spirit, you must give them away. If I had listened to my mother and “not been mean,” I would have a much better relationship with my brothers than the one I currently have. When they hurt me, I was mean back to them. Who wants to spend time with someone who isn’t nice? No one.
Jesus wasn’t mean. People flocked to Him because of His kindness. In all He did, Jesus was a gentleman.
Don’t make the same mistakes I did. Choose kindness instead. Light will flood your life.
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Lord, thank You for giving us, Jesus. Forgive us for the times in our lives we’ve been mean. Help us to forgive ourselves and start again. Let Your light shine through us to the dark world around us. All the glory is Yours. IJNIP. Amen
Question for reflection
What relationship do you need to invest in today?
