“Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.” Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

Years ago I said to my brother, “I’m not sure if that’s supposed to be a compliment or an insult.” I’ll never forget what he said next.

“If you have a choice, assume it was a compliment.” There’s a lot of wisdom in that.

So often the same words can be taken as good or bad. When I choose to assume the best of people it completely changes the way I experience the world. My attitude changes my circumstances, even on days when really awful things are happening.

It all starts in the heart. When you feel yourself getting frustrated or irritated quickly pray, “Lord, guard my heart.” Ask Him to help you let any injury or insult slide off you. Don’t pick up the hurt and take it home.

My mom used to say, “If you’re determined to find an insult, you’ll succeed.” Ask God to show you His view of the people you come in contact with. Pay attention to what’s happening in your heart. Pray for grace for yourself so you can show mercy to others. Is your heart hanging on to a hurt that you can release today?

God, Thank you that Your grace really is enough. Where there is injustice or hurt, when my pride gets bruised or my voice isn’t heard, teach me to run to You first. Remind me that my identify comes from who You say I am, not from words that get muttered in the heat of the moment. Guard my heart Father. When insults try to take root help me to be quick to pull them out. May the words I speak to other be Your words. May my attitude be more Christ-like today than it was yesterday. Teach me Your gentleness in the heat of the moment. Thank you for loving me more than I know. Thank you that out of the overflow of Your love, I can love others. Amen

Thought: Pay close attention to your attitude today. When you catch yourself holding on to hurt ask God to help you release it to Him. Give yourself a visual reminder and check in with yourself or a trusted friend throughout the day.

By Claire Colvin
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

• He Put a Song in My Heart
• Something Beautiful of my Life

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