The other side?

 

Luke 6:28 NIV

bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

One day this week I heard myself say to my students, "you guys are about to see the other side of me come out."  Perhaps you have said something similar.  We all desire to meek and humble, but we seem to have to let others know that we are not to be trifled with.  We don't want to appear weak.

Well as I made the statement, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and convicted me.  The other side they see should be the one they are seeing - Jesus.  I am not to respond to insults and persecutions the way the world does. I am to respond as Christ would.  My conversations should always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that I may know how to  answer everyone (Colossians 4:6).  I should be able to give a response that enables the person I am speaking to grow. My response should reflect that I know Jesus and have spent time with Him.  I should respond in love.

This does not mean I am weak. This does not mean that I do not set healthy boundaries.  It means that my boundaries are God's and I respond with grace. Think about how confused that person will be when you respond with a knock out punch of the Holy Spirit. They will be expecting blow of insult or tat for at which resolves nothing, but they would never expect for you to continue to walk in peace.  Knowing your worth in Christ, walking regally as a part of His royal priesthood.

So I closed my mouth, disciplined with re-direction and oozed grace.  The other side should always be Christ.  Family holidays are approaching and some tough situations may arise with others because relationships can be tricky.  This is true for family and strangers alike.  May we be quick to hide behind Jesus so that is the side that they see.

Jesus, I thank You for You.  I thank You for your love.  I thank You for answered prayers.  I thank You for grace. May I extend that grace even to those who seek to hurt me or mistreat me.  May I know how to set healthy boundaries and walk in peace.  Forgive  me for the times that I come up short and continue to direct my steps.  In Jesus name.  Amen