“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

James 1:12

My face feels red-hot, I wonder if it shows.

I’m on the receiving end of another personal attack.  I log it away in the trusty memory book of wrongs done to me.

Round two of the attack comes when I walk away and spend a full day dwelling on what was said.

Suddenly I stop. While shaking my head I begin to preach truth to myself:

“Laura, you’re becoming a little bitter and resentful.

More importantly, how many more times will you crumble at these tried-and-true attacks from Satan? Ephesians 6 tells us our enemy is not flesh and blood. It is the powers of evil forces, headed by Satan.”

I’m going to speak straight with you.  People are going to disappoint you.  We all say careless words and sometimes aren’t considerate of anyone else but ourselves.  We hurt each other more than we know.

It’s one thing to have someone cuss at you for cutting them off in a parking lot. {I get offended by that at least.}

It’s an entirely different thing when someone you care for throws fiery words your way, that will cut you down.
When we’re offended by someone dear to us, the pain runs deeper. Would you agree with that?

I’m not always a model to represent how to handle hurt feelings, but am trying hard not to let those moments steal God-given joy. I hope you won’t let similar situations eat at you day after day.

-Here are 4 ideas to help-

1. It Happens – When it does, you have a right to be upset. The choice is completely yours to seek revenge (out of anger) or to step back and follow the wisdom James (Jesus’ half-brother) shares.

“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”

James 2:19-20

2. Pray – Immediately seek God through a conversation with Him.  Not doing this will make a fool out of you. Don’t ever confront a person who offended you before you take it to the Lord.
{Try hard to steer clear of social media while you’re red-hot.}  There’s nothing like staring at a post after you’ve calmed down and realizing you made a fool out of yourself.

3. Confront – This can be done in two different ways. The first is simply preaching to yourself. {Like I mentioned doing earlier} Although, If you can’t shake that hurt from someone close to you, then confront them.  Carefully let them know what happened and how it really did hurt your feelings. A good friend/family member will reach back to you and most likely do whatever possible to let you know they are sorry.  But for the person that puts you down again in the process then guard your heart in the future. The relationship isn’t as great as you thought.

4. Learn – Become more aware of how you treat others. Being on the receiving end of an offense has taught me most how it feels to use careless words or actions.  It makes me want to be more careful with the people God placed in my life.

I pray God would cause our eyes to open and hearts soften to the struggles of others.

Until next time,

Laura