When Hurt
Devotional Reading: Think about the things above and not things on earth. Colossians 3:2 CEB
Our focus matters. What we think about regularly affects our actions! It also affects our perspective; it will change how we see things. Most importantly, it will change how we see and treat people.
So many times when we are in a disagreement with someone, all we see are their faults, mistakes, and what they did to us. Some of the things done to us are 100% wrong! Some things have happened in your past that have no good excuse by any standard. However, we can learn from God Himself! Scriptures says, “We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens.” – Ephesians 6:12
Hurting people hurt other people. I have heard this phrase over and over again. Unfortunately, I have been on both sides of this statement. I have been the person that was hurt, and I also have been the person causing the pain. We are imperfect people, but our imperfections come from the flesh, the unrenewed mind, and the enemy himself.
So when you are dealing with people, continue to focus on God, “the higher things,” more than you focus on the person that hurt you, “the things that are on earth.” God has the answers on how to respond to the pain that was caused. He has insight into the person who hurt you that you simply don’t have.
“When you focus on God more than people, you will focus on how God wants you to respond to people.” – Devon Daniel
God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. This is true, but we must remember that we have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. He wants to share those ways and thoughts with us. He doesn’t want to keep it to Himself. He wants His children to walk in wisdom, understanding, and LOVE.
See people through the eyes of God. When you do, it will be easier to show people love, mercy, and understanding, even when they have done you wrong.
Prayer and Confession
“I will choose to look for the best in people. My real fight is not with people, but against the devil and his kingdom. I will focus on how God wants me to respond rather than how I feel like responding.”
Further Reading – Philippians 4:7-8
