I was sitting in church the other day, browsing through my Bible looking at different scriptures and I decided to flip to my favorite Bible verse: Romans 12:12. It has always been my favorite Bible verse, in fact, I even had it written on my bedroom wall in my parent's house. It is one that I constantly try to live by and remember. It is my mantra and my motto. I think if we all memorized it and applied it to our daily lives, this world would be a much better place.
Christian Ethics- Romans 12:9-21
Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs, pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in every one's eyes. If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves, instead, leave room for his Wrath. For it is written: vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing, you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
Wonderful, powerful words. I sometimes get aggravated and annoyed when I try to live by these words and people refer to me as a pushover or a people pleaser. I was always taught by my parents to kill people with kindness and not to stoop to their level by joining in their silly games. All too often, I am amazed by the lack of respect people have for others and the childish/immature games we play.
I found this article on Facebook the other day and I absolutely loved it. I thought it fit in perfectly with this Bible verse and I think it's something everyone should read. I know I fail daily at loving people anyway and I really want to try harder to follow these words.
No One Is Perfect; Try To Love Them Anyway
By: Stephanie Althoff
http://thoughtcatalog.com/stephanie-althoff/2014/02/no-one-is-perfect-try-to-love-them-anyway/#bKEPcT8wd3UGfpwe.01
They’re funny creatures, people.
They’re going to hurt you. They’re going to let you in and shut you out. They’re going to lie to you. They’re going to manipulate you. They’re going to say things that they simply cannot take back. They’re going to earn your trust and they’re going to betray it. They’re going to confuse you. They’re going to drive you crazy. Love them anyway.
They’re going to surprise you. They’re going to leave you speechless. They’re going to put a smile on your face when you least expect it. They’re going to make you laugh. They’re going to make you cry. Love them anyway.
They aren’t always going to be perfect. They’re going to have bad days, and they might even take it out on you. They’re going to shoot a frown your way, they’re going to follow your car far too closely, and they’re going to conspicuously cut you in line at the grocery store. Love them anyway.
Because people are people. And at their core, there is an inherent vulnerability. We’re vulnerable to bad moments, to bad days, and to bad weeks. We’re vulnerable to taking out our emotions on other people. We’re vulnerable to prejudice, hatred, and bullying. We may be strong enough to work past these vulnerabilities – to not give in to our downfalls. But we’re people. We’re human. And we all have bad days.
A bad moment turns into a bad hour. A bad hour turns into a bad day. And a bad day turns into a bad week. It’s cyclical. It continues. Unless, that is, something breaks the chain.
A smile. A reassuring text message. A tight bear hug to remind us that the world is still full of comfort. Chain breakers. Small, subtle, and instantaneous.
People are going to make you angry, sad, confused, and upset. Don’t fight fire with fire – break the chain. That woman who just gave you the bird on the interstate? Return her gesture with a small smile. It might just make her rethink her afternoon. That man who just cut you in line at the gas station? Cut him some slack. He might have somewhere exponentially important to be. We don’t know everyone’s stories. We won’t ever know everyone’s stories. But we know that everyone struggles and everyone is human. Cut them some slack. Love them anyway.
You’d be surprised at how relaxed your own life can become when you begin to let go of others’ imperfections. There’s no need to get angry about that rude comment someone made or that unsightly gesture. Let it roll. Shake it off. It doesn’t make you a pushover, it makes you strong. Because as soon as you let the negative emotions rise, you’ve continued the chain, and you’ve taken on the hurt and the anger yourself. You let someone else’s bad day become your own. Be confident enough to accept the downfalls of human beings. Be confident enough to accept the downfalls of yourself.
Because you’re a person too. Love yourself anyway.
And if you haven't heard this song, or watched this video, you must watch it now! She is amazing. Gives me goosebumps. I believe she is on the Voice this season. I'm already a fan!!
: )
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