One-minute read.
Driving down the road last week, a car cut in front of me, almost hitting my bumper. The driver didn’t have a care in the world and thought they did nothing wrong. Instant anger boiled up inside of me at their selfish, unsafe acts, and I wanted to retaliate. At unexpected moments like this, I can quickly lose my connection with the Lord and let my human nature take control. I’ve learned to take a deep breath, which helps control my actions and refocus my thoughts. Doing a little preaching to myself helps me get back on track.
“God loves them, and He expects me to love them. Jesus died for them, too. You’ve cut people off in traffic before. We’re all sinners in need of grace.” Thoughts like these help me regain my composure and avoid impulsive actions, but it takes work and intention.
In life, we will have evil things done to us, whether intentionally or not. The Lord has clear instructions on how we should respond. Instead of repaying them with evil, God wants us to bless them. For me, I start by praying, which helps me take the focus off me and put it on the Savior. Remembering what Christ did for me motivates me to give grace to others. We all share an imperfect nature that requires grace. Taking the plank out of our eye helps us forgive the splinter in someone else’s. Once we gain a new perspective, we can find a way to bless them.
Journal Question:
How do you repay evil with a blessing?
Random Act of Kindness:
How can you bless someone who wronged you today?
