In Their Place

Hot tears ran down her cheeks as the
sting of the biting comments of a friend registered in her heart.

Sound familiar?

Have you ever been stunned by someone
who you thought was a friend?

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Stunned because you don’t quite know what to do next…
How do you respond to words meant to cut you to your core?

Through the years this has been a struggle for me…
I always find the words of response…

three days later!!

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 Although this is actually a good thing for me…
Because in my heart
I know that I am not to retaliate…

So I searched my heart and mind…as a believer…
What am I suppose to do?

Then God sent me to a training camp that I will never forget.
And I will always be grateful for…
the valuable lesson learned.

When it comes to the difficult people in my life…

I need to be careful…
NOT to put them in their place…

Instead…

I need to put myself in their place.

There usually is a reason for the biting edge...
Sometimes it is me…
My lack of caring…cranky attitude or quick and unfiltered words.

And other times…it is the other person.
The baggage that they have been carrying around for a lifetime
has weighted them down until
they latch out from the pain of it all…
 with cutting words and sometimes actions.

 Here are some guidelines from 1 Peter 3:9-11,
for helping us to become the
“peace-maker”.

1. Do not pay back evil with evil or insult with insult.

2. Repay an insult with a blessing,
a very genuine and sincere blessing.
This may take some time.
Removing yourself from the situation and pray,
Prayer will help you to come up with the right response!

 3. Be careful what you say… 

Don’t tell lies or spread gossip.

4. Do what is right.

Always seek peace and pursue it...

Chase after it with all your might!

 
If we truly Love God and in turn love others and we need to be willing to…
 “Put ourselves in their place”

And love them just where they are...with all there bumps and bruises…
The same way God loves us…

Bumps…Bruises…Biting Edges
and…
with all our baggage.

 His love is unconditional and brings with it…peace.

Colossians 3:13-15
“Make allowance for each other's faults,
and forgive anyone who offends you.

Remember, the Lord forgave you,
so you must forgive others.

Above all, clothe yourselves with love,
which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.
For as members of one body you are called to live in peace.

And always be thankful.”
(NLT)



Heavenly Father,
Help me to see those you have put in my life
through your loving eyes.
Grant me the right words,
words laced with kindness and blessing.
I want to be your “peace-maker”.

Amen

 

Caprice <><