Responding Like Jesus
"He did not retaliate." 1 Peter 2:23 NIV
When someone disappoints or upsets you, what do you do? Pull out your big guns and react? Do you say, "You make me so mad!"? When you say that, you're admitting someone else is controlling your emotions. You're acknowledging you have given that person the power to determine your feelings and reactions. No one can take control from you--you give it away the moment you start reacting! The Bible says, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21 NIV). To retaliate is to react. But to forgive is to act. It's saying, "I choose the way I respond." Do other people control your emotional state? Do you let them raise your happiness level or plunge you into worry, fear, or anger? "Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city" (Proverbs 16:32 NLT). The person who can control their moods and reactions is stronger than a walled city. But a person who cannot control their own spirit is defenseless, like a city with no walls around it. That person has no defense; they are at the mercy of whatever anyone wants to do to them. Strength is found in gentleness, and gentleness has the ability to handle hurt without retaliating; it can absorb the blow without needing to strike back. Jesus called it "turning the other cheek" (See Matthew 5:39). You say, "That's not easy to do." No, it's not; sometimes it's almost impossible. You say, "To respond that way is not natural." You're right, it is supernatural; it is the fruit of the Spirit (See Galatians 5:22-23). You need God's power to live this way.
This message taken from: Daily Devotional - The Word For You Today
When someone disappoints or upsets you, what do you do? Pull out your big guns and react? Do you say, "You make me so mad!"? When you say that, you're admitting someone else is controlling your emotions. You're acknowledging you have given that person the power to determine your feelings and reactions. No one can take control from you--you give it away the moment you start reacting! The Bible says, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21 NIV). To retaliate is to react. But to forgive is to act. It's saying, "I choose the way I respond." Do other people control your emotional state? Do you let them raise your happiness level or plunge you into worry, fear, or anger? "Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city" (Proverbs 16:32 NLT). The person who can control their moods and reactions is stronger than a walled city. But a person who cannot control their own spirit is defenseless, like a city with no walls around it. That person has no defense; they are at the mercy of whatever anyone wants to do to them. Strength is found in gentleness, and gentleness has the ability to handle hurt without retaliating; it can absorb the blow without needing to strike back. Jesus called it "turning the other cheek" (See Matthew 5:39). You say, "That's not easy to do." No, it's not; sometimes it's almost impossible. You say, "To respond that way is not natural." You're right, it is supernatural; it is the fruit of the Spirit (See Galatians 5:22-23). You need God's power to live this way.
This message taken from: Daily Devotional - The Word For You Today
Recent
Archive
2024
January
A New Year, A New StartThis Year, Do First Things FirstNever Stop Learning (1)Never Stop Learning (2)Get Out Of Debt And Stay Out Of DebtDon't Be So ControllingThe Seven-Day ChallengeParent, Keep PerseveringTurning Two Families Into OnePut Your Heart Into Your PartFour Principles For Victorious LivingTake Control Of The Small ThingsDon't Give UpLearning To Listen To God (1)Learning To Listen To God (2)Learning To Listen To God (3)Learning To Listen To God (4)Set Other Things Aside And ServeGod And WorkHow To Enrich And Strengthen Your RelationshipsProphecy FulfilledDon't Shout About ItYou're Growing In GraceWalking With GodYour Secret PlaceWork On Growing CloserAre You Worried About Retirement?Gideon's God Is Your GodTo Grow We Must Keep Asking QuestionsBe Interested In Everything God DoesTo Know God, Examine What He Has Made
February
God Will Speak to You - If You ListenDo The WordPraying Without Saying A WordShow Grace Under FireHaving Job Security (1)Having Job Security (2)Having Job Security (3)Having Job Security (4)The Holy Spirit Prays Through YouYour Personal GuideStop and Ask For DirectionsYour Harvest Is On The WayGive Your Children Convictions To Live ByYour Limted Window of OpportunityPull Down Those StrongholdsUse The Gift God Gave YouFinding Self-WorthMuzzle Your MouthChoosing a LeaderGod Knows What's Best For YouAre You Tired of Living in Defeat?Make an ImpactBe a Disciple of JesusTake Time to Wonder and WorshipLive the Living WordBe Patient, God Is At WorkTo Be Conformed Is To Be CreativeLive In The "Here and Now"You Need God's Help
March
Going Forward Or Going BackCome Out Of That CornerTell The TruthBelieve God For Greater ThingsHonor God, And He Will Honor YouMoving From Failure To Success (1)Moving From Failure To Success (2)The Right Attitude (1)The Right Attitude (2)"Strong, Firm And Steadfast"Raising Great Kids In A Troubled World (1)Raising Great Kids In A Troubled World (2)Raising Great Kids In A Troubled World (3)Raising Great Kids In A Troubled World (4)Raising Great Kids In A Troubled World (5)Are You Hooked On Pornography?You Can Rise Above Worry (1)You Can Rise Above Worry (2)Your Boaz seasonStand On God's Word (1)Stand On God's Word (2)Stand On God's Word (3)Stand On God's Word (4)Stand On God's Word (5)God Will Forgive And Restore YouDon't Strike BackAre You A True Friend?The Right BalanceEvidences Of Christ's Resurrection (1)
2023
January
Enjoy Each Day Of This New Year (1)Enjoy Each Day Of This New Year (2)This Year Think "Possible" (1)This Year Think "Possible" (2)This Year Think "Possible" (3)Let God Lead YouGod Is Your ProviderYour Overflowing Cup Of BlessingSteps To Overcoming Your WorriesFocus On Your God-Given VisionThe Story Of Your Bible
Categories
no categories