1Corinthians 4:12 “We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless, when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13 when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world. …21What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
This was Pauls instructions to the Apostles of Christ. How are you doing in this area? Do you retaliate when someone wrongs you? Do you take offense and lash out? Or do you respond in love? Hurting people hurt others. This is a statement that helps me respond in love when someone treats me poorly. When someone hurts me, I reason, they must be hurting to treat me that way. I try not to take their behavior personally. Everything we go through in life takes us to who we are now. Many people have been treated very poorly. They may feel like they are “caged rats” and sometimes they just lash out. Sometimes people need to be right, because they’re afraid that if they’re not, you won’t respect them. They may hold onto being right, even when they realize they may be wrong. These are the things I’m reminded of what I’m reading Paul’s instructions to the apostles. Today, may we all bless when we are cursed. Endure persecution and be kind when we are slandered. It not worth the fight to hurt hurting people.
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