Someone who had been miserable with Susan was now in a vulnerable position. She could retaliate with some well-aimed words and return a little of the misery. Yet instead of the satisfaction she anticipated a feeling of unease settled over her spirit.
Susan knew that the things she wanted to say, and even felt she deserved to say, would not represent her Lord very well. She wanted to get back at the one who seemed to try to irritate her, so she tried to push the unsettled feeling away.
At bedtime she contemplated just turning out the light and not bothering to read her Bible. But she reached for the devotional book and routinely scanned it. Her heart just wasn’t in it tonight. Yet the highlighted verse jumped out at her ….
“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
Susan knew those harsh words were not to be spoken. It was clear…she needed to be fair, kind and connected to her God. Taking the opportunity to return unkindness with more unkindness would break her connection with God. Susan had lived long enough to know she needed that connection, the clear conscience and right heart with God, more than anything else.
The Holy Spirit is the guide who nudges our heart when we are prone to get off God’s track.
Pay attention to the stirrings of your soul.
It may well be God’s Spirit nudging you to be fair… and kind… and to keep your relationship with God guarded. Your relationship with God is the single, most important factor in your life!
Father God, Thank you that You give Your Holy Spirit to nudge my heart in the right direction. Tune my heart to hear You leading me when I am prone to lash out and take matters into my own hands. Father, You alone can help me be the person I need to be. Help me today to be fair and kind in my dealings with those around me. Help me to stay connected to You with a willing and humble heart. And Father, thank you for the peace You flood my heart with when I follow Your ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Question: Where are you struggling to be kind and fair today?
By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission
FURTHER READING
- Feelings, Forgiveness and Peace | by Dr. Muriel Larson
- The Power of Forgiveness | by Dr. Henry Brandt
- How to Experience God’s Love and Forgiveness (3 parts)
Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/
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