Roll with the Punches!

Fresh Manna
by Renee Burt

I wish I could say that nothing ever bugs me anymore. I mean, really…I’m almost 55 years of age. Shouldn’t I have developed some kind of “inappropriate comments immunity” from years of exposure to statements that rub me the wrong way? At the very least, shouldn’t I have learned to train myself to “roll with the punches,” even when those punches are just words? Well, I have…for the most part! But the truth of the matter is that once in awhile, someone can say something that just gets past all the years of training…and any immunity I thought I had fails. And those words make me feel hot, they get under my skin, and it’s like I’m infected with an itch to say something back.

So what’s the remedy at times like those? It’s the one I just gave myself a few moments ago. It’s reminding myself that I don’t always get it right either. Sometimes I unintentionally say things that hurt someone. And at other times, I put my foot in my mouth and wind up saying something to make someone mad. And yes…at times, I even intentionally say something biting, or a little caustic or rude. It happens. I wish it didn’t, but when it does, I hope that someone will forgive me, even if they don’t feel like it.

So, truth be known, a few minutes ago, I didn’t really feel like forgiving that person. My “immunity” was down…but I’ve just injected myself with a healthy dose of God’s Word. And it’s taking hold…helping me to forgive…to roll with the punches…to remember that before day’s end, I may some of that same forgiveness myself!

Galatians 6:1 MSG ~ If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out.

More Devotions by Renee Burt

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt