The Easy Way or the Hard Way
Ephesians 4:31-32 Never be bitter, angry, or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other the same as God forgave you through Christ.
It seems to me that in dealing with the people in our lives, especially the more difficult, the more cantankerous ones, there are two ways of proceeding. The hard way or the easy way.
Friction is a fascinating force that we encounter every moment of every day of our lives. It’s the resistance between two surfaces when they touch and without it, you’d never be able to pick anything up. You’d slip over when you tried to walk. You’d fall off your chair when you tried to sit down.
But too much friction, and just moving becomes hard work. Not to mention the pain that all that rubbing would cause you and the heat it’d create, even to the point of catching fire.
Which is what happens in so many relationships when we ourselves apply too much friction; when we, time and time again, choose the hard way rather than the easy way.
Ephesians 4:31-32 Never be bitter, angry, or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other the same as God forgave you through Christ.
There you have it. The hard way and the easy way. So what opportunities present themselves in your relationships right now to stop being bitter, angry, mad; to stop shouting and hurting others; to stop doing evil; to lower the friction that you’re causing?
And when others choose the hard way (as they so often do) how could you take the temperature down by being kind and loving toward them despite how they’re behaving; by forgiving them, just as God in Christ has forgiven you?
Ultimately, you have a choice. The hard way, or the easy way. Choose wisely.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
Blessed by this devotion?
Share it with a friend!
Respond