In everything, therefore treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. -Matthew 7:12 NASB
The other day I was being questioned by my daughter for the umpteenth time and umpteenth day regarding the same topic. I give her the same answer each time with the same even tone of voice and encouragement as she tries to process the answer and find comfort in the truth. This time I felt annoyed and my tone spewed the answer. Immediately my daughter innocently asked another question, “Are you snapping at me?” I felt a halt in my heart and replied, “Yes, I think I did, I’m sorry I snapped at you.” She cried and I hugged her. I knew she had a rough day and I didn’t want to add to her hurt even in my
annoyance.
It doesn’t take much time to notice how folks talk to or treat one another. It’s like it’s a free-for-all to act uncivilized to others. I know I don’t like being snapped at so why is it okay to snap at others? Because I’m entitled? I’m the parent? I’m more important? More annoyed? No. God says in Philippians 2:3 to do nothing out of selfishness and to consider one another as more important than ourselves. We all have days when what we are feeling or thinking can come out negatively and it happens because we are human beings, but we must ask ourselves if this is how we want someone to talk to us or treat us.
Heavenly Father, thank You for using this situation to point out my flaw. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who checks my heart. I pray that we as Your children think before we speak or act so that we may bring glory to Your name instead of presenting a disposition that would hurt others.
This devotion by author, Terrie Miles, is exclusively and solely shared with permission to New Beginnings Church. Any unauthorized printed reproduction, sharing, or use of this material is prohibited.
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