Today in my quiet time, this Scripture jumped out at me that I am claiming for myself. I wanted to share it with you as it may come as a hope or help to someone:
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer." 1 Peter 3:8-12a.
But I really like the way the Message interprets:
Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless--that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing. Whoever wantes to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, Here's what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful; Snug evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you're worth. God looks on this with approval, listening and responding well to what he's asked.
I know that all too often I catch myself speaking with sarcasm, tossing insults around because I've been insulted and lashing out at my husband because I feel comfortable enough to do so. What a refreshing wake up call this Scripture proves to be for me. God is disciplining me in His gentle yet firm way that in order for me to walk with Him on the path to righteousness, I have some adjustments I need to make.
I know that none of us are perfect, but we should be striving to be the best that we can be, and for myself, that means that I need to not make excuses to justify my behavior. God specifically says "that goes for all of you, no exceptions". My "job" is to be a blessing and that is what I intend to strive to be from today forward.
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