“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” Hebrews 10:24 NIV
For the past eight months, I have been overcommitted. I really need to learn how to say “no” but that’s a devotional for another day! Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a habitual planner. When making a trip, I will have my airfare, hotel, and rental car if applicable at least three to six months in advance. Going with the flow and being last minute are quite honestly traits I used to abhor. . . until about ten months ago.
In the past ten months, I had grand jury duty three days per week for four months, I worked a part-time job traveling the country as a two-day trainer, executed my ministry duties, continued to be an executive director of a non-profit, and pretended to have time for myself and loved ones in my in between time. Yeah right! Recently, I was off to a city where I have lots of relatives who I don’t see often. I was hoping to connect with them, and truth be told, I did not get to reach out until I was en route to the airport same day. Being one who prides herself on accountability and taking ownership for my actions, I named in my outreach email an apology for the delayed notice and my understanding if we could not connect given the timing.
Honestly, y’all, I was already feeling bad that I was delayed in my outreach and I had to shoot my shot. Instead of a simple “yes” or “no” I can meet, one of my cousins hit me with the equivalent of “bye, Felicia!” In addition to letting me know she could not meet, she went on to say how I should’ve contacted her earlier and that if I want to see her in the future, I need to let her know in advance.
Here were my reactions: Eyes blink. Deep swallow. Eye roll. My first thought was “all you had to say was no!” with sass in my thinking voice. Then it hit me, how often have I been my cousin?!? Not knowing what is going on in someone else’s life but because of my needs, my standards, my way, I berate someone (intentionally or unintentionally) or ignore them altogether because they failed to do things in a manner acceptable to me. Ouch! If we’re honest, as humans, we do it often to one another.
I was reminded of why the Bible says we should show grace to others and greet one another with love and mercy. I responded to my cousin lovingly admitting my wrong again and then gave her a little insight as to why this outreach was delayed. Upon knowing the details, she expressed empathy but it should not have taken all that. For all of us, empathy and grace should be the first response, not an afterthought.
In fact, the Bible tells us that we should not speak unwholesome things, but rather “only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29) and “to always be gentle to everyone.” (Titus 3:2b)
The next time you find yourself about to pass judgement on someone because they failed to meet expectations, take a moment to prayerfully consider that no matter how close you are to the person, you don’t know all that they carry. Take every encounter you have with another human as an opportunity to express God’s grace, love, and mercy. “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6 NIV)
Reflection
Have I demonstrated God’s love and grace to everyone I’ve encountered? Why or why not? What can I do to ensure that everyone I speak to sees Jesus’ light in me?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the ability to demonstrate your grace and mercy to everyone I encounter. Forgive me for not letting your light shine in every interaction. Help me to build up your people instead of tear them down. Show me what I need to do in order to model your goodness daily. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Photo by Sam Schooler on Unsplash
Comentarios