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| Changes within that make us easier to live with ... Life is not fair. People make choices and others will suffer the consequences of those choices. Let's make that more personal. You and I suffer pain because of the unkind words and actions of others. Hard fact of life. We can respond in anger, judgement, fear, withdrawal, etc. or we can draw near the Lord for His strength to face the pain honestly, asking for the ability to forgive and for the wisdom to know how to respond His way. I'm suggesting the hard road because it makes us more lovely and certainly easier to get along with. It teaches us a humility and kindness that is rare and valuable. I want y'all to understand that my advice is not cheap. I was sexually abused as a kid, acquaintance raped, and emotionally/physically abused as an adult. I've been ignored, snubbed, stolen from, lied about and cheated on. I'm not speaking out of ignorance or from lack of experience, sadly. Choosing to forgive and then to act as Jesus would, at first seemed pretty expensive for me in a personal sense, but as time went on I saw it more as a precious gift to me, setting me free from fear, bitterness and many ugly sins that were making me unlovely and hard to live with. I cannot say that I have arrived, but I am on the journey. Forgiveness is a way of life, a choice we make (sometimes daily, occasionally every other minute). ;) I don't have all the answers, but I do know that study of the Word, time spent with the Lord, and time spent with friends who will encourage you and hold you accountable are good tools for the journey. Come join me. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. "But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21 NAS Think generous! Lori <>< Copyright © 2001-2006 Lori J. Byerly All Rights Reserved http://www.the-generous-wife.com |