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    Sometimes I Wish I Didn't Even Have the "Other Cheek"

    There are moments where I hear the Word of God and I’m encouraged that I’m on the right track. But not even as much as two minutes after that, the Lord will send a test to show me that I’m still a mess. Thanks for that. Last night at our organization’s gathering, we had a guest speaker. He talked about relational wisdom that we glean from reading a few key verses in Proverbs. Unfortunately, the one that stood out to me was talking about people behind their back. One of my weaknesses has been expressing my negative opinions about someone in the form of “venting.” Venting is just an excuse to gossip or tear someone down. Later on at our “after party,” I was talking with an individual who I’ve never met before. Some time into the conversation, he began to talk about how Communication Studies wasn’t a real major and how there is no inherent value in it…we need more innovative people to keep the country running. :-) (For all of you who don’t know, I happen to hold a BA in Communication Studies…how ironic that he would pick that major out of all majors…) So, initially I took offense to it and all kinds of judgments (out of defense) flooded my mind. As soon as I escaped the conversation, my eyes were searching the room for someone I could vent to. But I remembered our speaker saying, “When you feel like [venting], take it to the Lord and pray about it for a week. See if you still feel the same when that week is up.” So I left and went home – on the way, I started my week of prayer. :-) Shoot…sometimes I wish I didn’t have to turn that other cheek…Matt 5:38-39. But this is a good test. A great reminder that I can’t do what I’m supposed to do in my own strength. My integrity suffers when I try to maintain it. The Lord doesn’t play…He doesn’t wait around – He’ll put you in check on the spot. I’m a witness. My prayer about this? Teach me how to love regardless of how others act. Diminish the offense and spirit of pride that tries to rise up within as a result. Yuck. Am I alone in this struggle? What's your strategy?
    Tags » Book of Proverbs Integrity Judging Others Living with Integrity Prayer venting
    • 26 January 2011
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