The Scenarios
A superior at work comes up to you, demanding that you complete three large stacks of paperwork in an hour. You have other tasks that he/she has given you that need to be done ASAP. You remind him/her of this. The person already does not fancy you very much; he/she thinks that you are incompetent. And as he/she walks off, a subtle, yet insulting comment flows from his/her lips.
What is your response?
Is your initial instinct is to curse at them? Roll your eyes?
No, not unless you don't like paying your bills.
Do you mumble a sly comment under your breath after they walk back into their office?
Maybe..
Or perhaps you just say something not-so-nice in your head.
Maybe a comment on how horrible her hair looks today? Or how bad his breath smelled as he leaned in to throw the papers on your desk?
Or worse?
Does that sound a little more your speed?
Sometimes we do find ourselves using the strangest measuring method in our minds. We think that our mental comebacks or mumbling something back somehow ties us up with that other person.
Mean boss - 1 point
Me - 1 point
That mental adrenaline makes you feel like you got even without actually getting even.
You might even tell your closest co-worker or best friend about what happened in hopes that you get kudos for being so "quick on your feet".
Summing up the "Why NOT?"
But what does all of that solve?
Nothing really has changed, and you're still holding a grudge.Grudges damage the heart.So release it and forgive the person that has hurt you or made you feel inadequate in some way.
But you say, Easier said than done. Well, riddle me this: Hasn't God forgiven you of all of your transgressions and shortcomings? Do you know how many mistakes we make on a daily basis? I don't, but I'm pretty sure it's A LOT! We expect God to forgive us so quickly, yet we fail to regard others in the same way. Do yourself a favor and allow God's love to spread to others because if you don't, your grudges will eventually eat you alive.
Remember that your heart is made to love, not to hate. It's easy to love your "loved ones", thus the affectionate title. But loving the person who does you wrong or rubs you the wrong way really exudes strength.Plus, God loves you and his wrath against your enemies are far more powerful than your puny little comeback :)
Let God's love for you reflect onto the ones you encounter.
And that's where the heart is... <3
