Over the last week, I have written and deleted several posts. I had so much on my heart yet I couldn’t find the right words with which to say them. I have been and am frustrated over the political climate in our country.
I am over the moon in love with my niece, nephew, and niece to come. I had the best time
with my family this past weekend as we all gathered to celebrate my nephew’s 6th birthday. Time is literally flying by. I have so much on my heart and mind where they are concerned. Dreams I have for them and the kind of world that I want them to grow up in.
I have friends and loved ones who are wrestling with some really hard things right now. Instead of giving up, they are pressing even harder into Jesus and facing the battle head on.
I try to so hard to focus on what others are going through when I am tempted to turn my gaze on to my “problems”. When the enemy reminds me again and again that someone said something that hurt my feelings or “you always have to do things on your own”. Satan is such a bully and loves to hit you when you are vulnerable … especially when you are tired … as I am today.
I can feel so much welling up in me and I am tempted to give in to that feeling. Whatever that feeling is. To become frustrated, angry, hurt and give in to despair but then I read this verse …
“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.“ Ephesian 4:2
I was reminded this morning to extend grace upon grace to those who need it and let’s be honest, who doesn’t need it?
When I am tired and people are being extra people-ish … Practice Ephesians 4:2.
When someone has spoken an unkind word … Practice Ephesians 4:2.
When others aren’t pulling their load … Practice Ephesians 4:2.
When someone is treated harshly … Practice Ephesians 4:2.
When someone posts an erroneous FB post … Practice Ephesians 4:2.
When I can’t find any dark chocolate and the vending machine is out of Diet Dr. Pepper … Practice Ephesians 4:2. For the safety of all those involved!
This verse was just a much need reminder that I do not know what anyone else is going through except for me. It is not going to hurt anyone for me to extend grace upon grace because grace upon graces has been extended to me abundantly by the Father and I am the least deserving. While it may be easier to lash out at others it is far more effective to “make allowances for each other’s faults.” And when Satan wants to rear his ugly head with various reminders of ways that I have been affronted by others, I will work to hold those thoughts captive and press into Jesus even more. It takes far more energy thinking about the ways that I am offended and hurt than it does to turn those feelings and people over to the Lord!
So friends, what about you? Do you need a reminder to Practice Ephesians 4:2 today?
I love you all!
Joyful on the Journey 