In an ideal setting, everyone would love to be admired, cherished and highly valued. However, in a fallen world, with individuals daily carrying around dirty laundry and excess baggage, receiving a desired response is unlikely. Therefore, if an act of kindness, gentle reply or word of encouragement goes unnoticed, don’t take it personally. According to Exodus 7:3, sometimes God will harden a person’s heart, preventing individuals from being civil.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGt5f70K02Q
When Jesus first sent off his disciples in Matthew 10, taking off their preverbal training wheels, he tries to prepare these 12 men for what to expect in life. Beginning in Matthew 10:17-23, you could probably hear a pin drop, likely caught off guard by the hatred Jesus predicted. Maybe this is where Judas Iscariot began to get cold feet, thinking to himself, “I didn’t sign up for this!” I guess you can assume Jesus is trying to separate the followers from leaders, using a similar strong message in Luke 14:25-27 to narrow down his core group.
Unfortunately, the old saying of “sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me” is a lie. When I taught, I could have a dozen compliments from faculty and students, yet that one negative email from a parent is what I thought about, erasing all the good I received earlier in the day. Criticism, harsh comments and tasteless remarks can get under your skin, leaving a heart torn in two. When words feel like knife wounds, verbally poisoning your soul, take your burden to the Lord, Matthew 11:28. May the words of Psalm 34:18-19 help you not to take future replies personally.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 