Today I want to briefly discuss perceptions. This is in light of the past few posts and comments.
When it comes to interactions with others, especially in matters of faith, we need discernment. This will help us not to judge another and try to see, as best we can, the intentions of another There may be some who approach us who we may only perceive are “judging” us. They may have the best of intentions, and they may not realize they are coming across that way. It is also possible they are being entirely generous, and our attitude may be judgmental of them. That is why discernment is needed. There are times when people are judgmental, and times when they are not, and we only think they are. That is why we should always pray for charity towards our neighbor, and to pray for our neighbor, that they be charitable as well. God Bless.
We are called to love as Jesus loves us and give His love to others. This is not an easy task. Not everyone we interact with on a daily basis is walking in the faith. Not everyone is going to accept us.
ReplyDeleteThere are those that are closest to us that mock or insult us for our faith. Their words or actions pierce through our hearts like a sword and can, at times, leave us deeply wounded. It is in these moments, I believe, charity,forgiveness and especially discernment are most important. In these moments we must first, discern where this person(s) is coming from: Are they themselves a wounded soul(s) that have not found solace in Jesus? Have they had a "hard lot" in life? Are they angry at God? etc. We must try to turn the other cheek and forgive immediately (this is quite difficult, I know, but not impossible. Remember that you too are a sinner, FORGIVEN and saved by God's grace) Then offer our broken hearts to Jesus and remember that He was not always accepted. Pray for that person.
Retaliation, my dear friends, often leads to more pain and frustration for both parties. I am not saying to be a door mat. There are times when we must defend our faith and beliefs, but we must be prudent in the way we approach the situation-charity, forgiveness and discernment.
One of my favorite bible chapters explains it better than I have: 1Corinthians 13: "Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, love is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things,hopes all things and endures all things. Love never fails...So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love." God Bless, Sheila