Glory in the Morning

November 14, 2020

Have you ever had to hold your tongue because the words that were ready to come out would be unkind and perhaps start an argument? Did you manage to keep the words in? Did you go ahead and speak them? What happened? These are things to consider while we are not upset, so that when we do feel the urge to be hurtful, we have a better plan!

A very, very long time ago, in high school, I was called “a fool” by a classmate. I won a golf tournament of sorts in my gym class and received three whole Snicker bars! I was so proud of myself! I gave one candy bar to a girl who asked. Another girl saw me give up a candy bar so easily and said, “You’re a fool ” Was I angry and embarrassed? You bet! Did I tell her off? Nope. I was too scared to. I just allowed her comment, along with the laughs of the other students, to silence me.

I was thinking of giving her a candy bar. Seriously, I was, but she was so mean that I withheld it. I’d like to relate this to Jesus. Jesus had tons of criticism and was hated by many. Yet, out of love and obedience, He still chose to die for all, not just people that were nice to Him. Even on the cross, He did not withhold His love, but asked His Father to forgive the very ones who hurt Him!

And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:33-34 NJKV

He set the example for us. We can never be as holy as Jesus, but that IS what He asked us to try and do, as Peter writes below.

 …as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16 NKJV

One more scripture, because the Bible says it much better than I…

-who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;  who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. 1 Peter 2:23-24 NKJV

Dear Jesus,

What You did for me will always overwhelm my heart. I don’t know how You manage to love those who hurt You. I am sorry for times I have hurt others with my words or actions. Please help me to think of Your example of holy love for others. Our world seems crazy right now and spewing hateful words is a common occurrence on tv, news and social media. Please quiet my soul to focus on Your higher plan of holiness and love for me. Your calling is my desire. Help me to be different than the world. I love You! Amen

Journal Homework:

1.Think of and write about a time someone hurt You with words or vice versa. What can you do different next time?

2. Look up a verse about loving others and write it down and memorize it. Ask God to hide it in your heart for when you need it.

Love and prayers to all!

Tina