One minute read.
Daily Reading: 1 Kings 18:1-46, Acts 11:1-30, Psalm 135:1-21, Proverbs 17:12-13
Daily Verse: “If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.” Prov. 17:13
Justice for ingratitude.
Bitter hearts return evil for good. Instead of seeing the kindness in the act, they view the world through a negative lens, looking for the ulterior motive and responding inappropriately. Intentionally evil deeds bring on more disaster and cause bitter roots to grow.
How we treat others often determines how they respond. As the saying goes, hurting people hurts others and usually begins a vicious cycle of pain. People can’t see the trauma hidden behind the actions; they only see the reactions.
During my flight attendant days, while switching planes, I had a memorable conversation with a Bride-to-be. I responded bitterly to her excited talk of the upcoming wedding, thinking of my dead Father and that he couldn’t walk me down the aisle, squashing her joy. My bitter heart hurt many relationships. I could not release the bitterness and have healthy relationships until I dealt with the pain.
Strive to understand the emotions behind the actions. Before responding in kind, look for the hurt, and give love back instead of evil.
Lord, forgive us for responding inappropriately. Please help us healthily deal with our hurts, and when people do good for us, let us respond with love. Let us see others through Your lens and not ours. IJNIP. Amen
