I’ve had a week where I’ve managed to fall into a self-righteous indignation. We’ve all been there: the people we love most can hurt us more than anyone else. Their actions, speech, and basically ignoring our feelings truly hurts us. The worldly response is to say words that hurt them back, turn a cold shoulder, make plans in our heads that ignore that they’re part of our lives. We get mad and want to keep them from having the ability to hurt us again. That worldly response reared it’s ugly head again this morning. I’m justified, right? That was part of my prayer this morning, and I knew it wasn’t true, but no other thoughts came to dissuade me.

The Lord brought to mind several sayings I had seen recently that resonated with me:

  • “Instead of judging people, why don’t you take that same time to pray for them”; and
  • “When you can’t forgive someone, pray for them. It may or may not change them, but it will always change you.”

When I arrived at work, I flipped my daily calendar that a dear friend gave me, and here was God’s Word showing me that it’s not about me. “I… urge you to live worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Eph 4:1b-3) As Christ’s follower I must take up my cross and follow Him. He beared with much worse from others in love with humility, gentleness and great patience — the very ones He created!

As I was looking for an image to go with today’s post, I also came upon another Scriptural reminder of who it is I’m truly battling: “Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.” (Eph 6:10-12) Thank you, Lord!