Hard Truth

When you don’t feel heard.

When they spoke instead of listened.

When you are overlooked.

When they aren’t a safe place.

When they rush pass.

When they didn’t give the full truth.

When they took advantage.

When they _____________. You fill in the blank.

When hard things happen, I externally process. But not everything I say is always helpful and uplifting for my hearers. Or even kind. #what? They are truthful maybe, but I recently let a root of bitterness take hold.

You know that place where it feels good to stew on something over and over again in your mind? And to continually reassure yourself you are in the right and they are wrong?? And then to talk about said incident thus reinforcing your indignant feelings about it? Bah.

This morning I read about choosing to be: 

#tenderhearted towards people who have wronged me. It’s one thing to “let it go”, it’s another to lean into:

#Softness over stonewalling.

#Compassion over criticism.

#Understanding over outrage.

Eph 4:31-32 says: “Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.”

Forgiveness is an intentional action. I hate being faced with this stuff. It’s hard. But it’s part of becoming more like Jesus. Our brains, hearts and futures are constantly being shaped by our thoughts and actions. How we choose to respond today has an impact on our life and in the lives around us for generations to come. Training my brain to look to Jesus first is hard work. But I want it. I need it.

Lord help me.