We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Travis Pate.
Bible Reading:
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”Romans 12:17-18
Word:
I have 2 teenagers in the house; a son and a daughter. As we have migrated through the middle school grades and into high school, we have always tried to teach our kids a lesson in the way they treat others. Since they were young, we’ve told them, “
Treat people the way that you want to be treated, not the way they treat you.”
Let’s face it, this is not always easy and requires a good measure of self-control. Most of us are very willing to take the way we are treated and throw it right back at somebody. It was because they deserved it, right?! This is Old Testament thinking….an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
Jesus called us to be different. If we read on a verse or so, Paul writes, “On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:20-21 NIV
We can’t control what other people do but we can control what we think, say, or do in response. In order for peace to prevail, we have to exercise self-control. One other saying that I’ve passed along to my kids is, “Do the next right thing.” It’s up to us as followers of Christ to lead by example in the way that we treat others and in the way that we respond to how we are treated.
Prayer:
God, I pray that you will help me exercise self-discipline when I am faced with trying circumstances. Forgive me for the times when I have not responded to others in a Christ-like manner and help me to walk as Jesus did. Amen.
Skillwork:
Try it this week. Slow down for a moment when you are faced with a tough situation and exercise self-control. Choose to do the next right thing and see what a difference it can make.
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