Hello, my friends, I hope you’re drying out. June was definitely a stormy month.
Many of us were reminded that gloomy weather can drag us under if we’re not alert. Lack of sunshine makes us tired. And tired tempts us to be grumpy. As the Fourth of July approaches, let’s focus on freedom. The spiritual and emotional freedom to live beyond our feelings that shift faster than the weather.
Let’s look at some emotions that pull us down. Let’s ask:
Am I easily offended?
Jennifer Beckham, the speaker at my church’s annual women’s retreat says, “Offenses are chosen.” I agree. It really is our choice. No one can make us hurt or angry without our permission.
So, our challenge is to save our offenses for the big things. There are valid reasons for hurt and anger. But if it’s big enough to hold on to then it needs to be dealt with, not stuffed away to embitter us. A friend once told me, “Un-forgiveness is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die.”
The small frustrations just aren’t worth our time or brain space. Crazy drivers, slow waitresses, or a sarcastic remark from that always-snarky coworker or family member. Respond kindly, if needed. Then, heed the words of Queen Elsa from the movie Frozen, “Let it go.”
Perhaps it’s difficult to let go because something in us is tweaked and we need to deal with an ugly truth we’re not willing to face. Like King David in Psalm 139:24, we pray,
“See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Maybe we’re not free because we don’t understand that a person’s attitude is their problem, their responsibility. It says more about them and their struggle than the issue at hand. Let’s not give an offense or the offender power over us anymore. We’re going to stop letting their sin hover over us like a vulture dumping yesterday’s roadkill.
“Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.”*
Let’s filter offenses through rational thought. Hold up petty quarrels next to real struggle. Think of those grieving in Charleston, South Carolina and consider their grace and forgiveness. Pray for our military men and women who come home and continue to battle PTSD, physical injuries, and broken homes.
My friends, we can rise above the gloomy climate of our home, workplace, or our culture. Because it really is our choice. It’s not always easy. But with God’s grace, it’s doable.
*Galatians 5:1
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