"If you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come offer your sacrifice to God." Matthew 5:23-24 (NLT)
"Devotion:Yesterday I swept the mahogany dark wood floors in my house. I worked with so much energy it might have looked like I was a clean freak or, at the very least, industrious. I am neither of those things. In fact, I really didn't even notice the dust bunnies flying through the air. I was hurt, trying to sweep away harsh words spoken the day before by a friend."
Have any of you done this. I have. I felt like a fool later. My hubby had learned quickly that if I was upset, our house would get cleaned faster and extra good. :( I've always been sensitive, so cruel words would effect me instantly. Sometimes it was just gossip that I'd over hear.
For instance, while volunteering at the church, a woman was sitting there in the volunteer central room talking of an incident that had happened with my grand daughter and I to another woman. I don't know why, but it really upset me. So instead of confronting her and clearing the situation up, I stormed around, bawled, and embarrassed myself which upset me even more.
Lesson: It doesn't pay to let things fester and boil. It is better to confront the situation.
This piece came from Crosswalks Encouragement for today. It's a great reminder packed full of sensible information on how to care for hurts of the past and present.
6 comments:
Tammy, I'm so sorry that happened to you, and I just want to tell you that you are an incredible person, and just so full of God's love and encouragement. I wish I had been there in that instance to give ya a hugg. It breaks my heart to hear what happened. I read you bloggs everyday and they are just so incredible and so inspirational to many. You love the Lord with all your heart, and that is clearly evident. You're a good friend to me, and I love ya. Ya know, sometimes people can be insensitive, and not realize what they say..and it does hurt. And you and I are much alike in that way, we both are very sensitive. I just wanted to encourage you, and let you know how valuable you are to me and many. And to let you know how much God loves you :)
I can't agree more!
This is written in scripture because it is so important to the Lord. I pray that we, as the body of Christ, would learn to obey this command quickly, as to not give the devil an opportunity to divide.
Thanks for sharing!
Julie
Thank you Cindy. I can't tell you how much your comments mean to me. I love you to. You've been such a comfort, a leader, a shoulder to lean on, and a good friend. I miss the times we spent in our small groups, but am thankful I still get to see you and share some good laughs. You're an awesome friend, and am thankful for to the Lord for putting us together.
Julie, I stand on that prayer with you. It was a lesson well learned for me. Thanks for commenting.
Yes I believe we need to confront at times. Slander/gossip is such a no-no for me. I've been slandered to and gossiped at and it's really upsetting. So good that we have a GOD who has put a heart of forgiveness in us. Plus, even Christians in the church can fail at times. We do not all have the same faith so the mature Christians like us need to understand them more. Better yet, confront and rebuke them with love. Well, I promised myself I won't preach. hahaha! just kidding! Our GOD is a GOD of peace and justice. You are a beautiful person and I know you don't deserve those harsh words. You want me to attack them? hehehe! just kidding again! So I get funny coz of my delayed comments. It's not in the present anymore so I dunno if my comments will still matter at this time. You are GOD's beautiful princess and nothing/no one can change that ever!
Oh my word verification for this comment is "blesses"...isn't that neat? hehehe!
Oh wow! That is wild about the word verification! That is cool! Yes, I agree, gossip and what not is not good. Of course we are all human and have our moments when you let your guard down. I feel it is important to remind ourselves of this very thing. To get upset like I did was even worse. It's during times like this we are put to the test and must remember to take it to Him and ask Him to forgive them and help them.
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