Post by Sunrise on Jun 21, 2010 9:43:53 GMT -5
Disclaimer: A bit of a rant follows...I apologize for not sounding like my usual happy self, but I just needed to vent.
Sometimes people absolutely astound me. They complain about the way others treat them, and don't even stop for a second to consider the way they treat others. Just because someone said something negative about you doesn't give you the right to take it out on an innocent bystander. Yes, you have the right to be upset. Yes, you have the right to feel an injustice was committed. However, you do NOT have the right to let that anger spill over to infiltrate and degrade relationships with ones you love because of your personal grievances. Unfortunately, the world can be a cruel mistress; not everyone you encounter will like you or act kindly towards you. And if you haven't figured that out by now, there's no hope for you.
The rampant hypocrisy in the world disgusts me. People preach about how horribly they have been wronged, and then react in the most immature, arrogant, selfish, and self-centered way possible. They will lie, break promises, go against their word...and for what? Because they think it will bring about some sort of twisted retribution? Jesus taught his disciples, "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well" (Matthew 5:38-40). This may not be an easy task, for it goes against human nature. But it is a task we are charged with nonetheless.
By no means do I claim to be perfect; I have many, many flaws and I recognize all of them. I'm positive I have been hypocritical on more than one occasion, and I have reacted immaturely to a perceived slight before. However, I do at least attempt to remain conscious of this error, and think before I act in a way I know will hurt the ones I love. Sacrifice and compromise are paramount in any relationship; stubbornness, immaturity, lack of respect, egotism, and unwillingness to communicate erode that foundation. Just remember, "Why do you see the speck in your brother's eye, but fail to see the plank in your own?" (Matthew 7:3).
I cannot expect decency from others if my own heart doesn't have pure intentions. I am going to focus on removing that plank from my own eye, and maybe then, others will follow suit.
Sometimes people absolutely astound me. They complain about the way others treat them, and don't even stop for a second to consider the way they treat others. Just because someone said something negative about you doesn't give you the right to take it out on an innocent bystander. Yes, you have the right to be upset. Yes, you have the right to feel an injustice was committed. However, you do NOT have the right to let that anger spill over to infiltrate and degrade relationships with ones you love because of your personal grievances. Unfortunately, the world can be a cruel mistress; not everyone you encounter will like you or act kindly towards you. And if you haven't figured that out by now, there's no hope for you.
The rampant hypocrisy in the world disgusts me. People preach about how horribly they have been wronged, and then react in the most immature, arrogant, selfish, and self-centered way possible. They will lie, break promises, go against their word...and for what? Because they think it will bring about some sort of twisted retribution? Jesus taught his disciples, "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well" (Matthew 5:38-40). This may not be an easy task, for it goes against human nature. But it is a task we are charged with nonetheless.
By no means do I claim to be perfect; I have many, many flaws and I recognize all of them. I'm positive I have been hypocritical on more than one occasion, and I have reacted immaturely to a perceived slight before. However, I do at least attempt to remain conscious of this error, and think before I act in a way I know will hurt the ones I love. Sacrifice and compromise are paramount in any relationship; stubbornness, immaturity, lack of respect, egotism, and unwillingness to communicate erode that foundation. Just remember, "Why do you see the speck in your brother's eye, but fail to see the plank in your own?" (Matthew 7:3).
I cannot expect decency from others if my own heart doesn't have pure intentions. I am going to focus on removing that plank from my own eye, and maybe then, others will follow suit.