Angela BensonSomething happened to me recently that caught me by surprise. Someone misinterpreted something that I did and attributed it to “evil intentions” on my part. The words, “evil intentions,” were not spoken, so that’s my attribution. Anyway, the incident left me feeling a bit hurt even though I learned a long time ago to let God fight my battles.
Now I could have gone to the person and explained that I didn’t have “evil intentions,” but I didn’t; I left that one to the Lord. Over time, I pray, that as the person gets to know me better, they’ll begin to give me the benefit of the doubt. That’s why I always try to gove others that same benefit. When things happen, my first thought is not, “they’re against me” or “they’re out to get me,” rather it’s “why is this happening?”
In this case, I figured out that the person’s reaction was not even about me; it was about the situation and their trying to exert some measure of control over a situation that they thought was getting out of control. So, since it wasn’t about me, I couldn’t take offense. Life happens. I just have to trust God. If He opens the door at some point, I’ll bring it up to the person so we can talk about but I don’t feel any rush to do so.
Sometimes the lessons of the Bible are deep, but most times they’re very simple. I’ll leave you with 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Now tell me about your blessings, because I count this as one of mine.
Hi Angela,
I haven’t written to you in a while. I am rather reserved when it comes to letting my feelings out and although this may seem small I told my family that I was feeling sad and why. I never let people know how I am feeling, but the older I get the more I feel like I need to express myself. Here I am at 27 finally learning to express myself. I think that is a blessing because I am growing. How can I be a help to someone if I can’t help myself? I am on a serious quest to better the world around me.
Take care!
Gabrielle in MD
Angela, I used to worry about how others interpreted my actions. Not as much anymore. Although I’m always mindful of how my words and actions will be perceived, I check myself with God and let Him do the rest (at least most of the time!)
Gabrielle, it is a blessing to express yourself! Not only in the liberty that comes to your Spirit but also in the increase in positive outlook, mental health, physical health (less stress and stress-related ailments). Better at your tender age than waiting another 20 or 30 years. It also means you’ll probably make good choices for your life because you’ll be less fearful of voicing your dislikes and disagreements.
Oh yeah, my blessing? My bad! My biggest blessing at the moment is stability for my family. We moved this weekend after many weeks of being in transition. God’s provision is always awesome to me.
Maybe this is to be your next book title. Sounds good