Soooo, how DO we respond to people who hurt us?
We are patient with them.
Wha? Patient? What in the Sam Hill does patience have to do with it?
Well, I’m glad you asked. Two Greek words translate into the English word “patience.” One is “hupomone.” It means to “remain under.” This is the patience we talk about when we are enduring tough circumstances. But, circumstances are not people. Oh, no.
The Greek word, “makrothumia” is the sort of patience we need with people. Bear with me. Or, be PATIENT with me. Ha!
Guess what drives makrothumia? Give up?
MERCY.
Remember yesterday’s story of the king forgiving the servant’s debt? He FORGAVE that debt.
Again, stay with me.
So, we first have to FORGIVE.
My good friend, Beth Moore, says, “Patience is the vessel through which God pours His mercy. Mercy is fueled by forgiveness.”
Okay, let’s just pretend Beth is my good friend.
When we forgive, we let go free. We let go of our power. We cut that person loose. They no longer owe us a thing.
Sometimes, I think that I have a right to hold this grudge or be angry….and, every right to be merciless. But, God’s word calls us to forgive. Who wants to carry the burden of unforgiveness? The plus side? When we forgive, God can be released to work the situation to our good. And, don’t even think you can do it on your own. You can’t. That’s what the HS is for.
Besides, the opposite of patience is judgment. But, that’s another post for another day.
You see, the patience God desires for us to extend to others is the same patience that meant the salvation of our soul.
That’s all I’m sayin’.
And, I hope I am CONSTANTLY reminded of this kind of patience….this kind of mercy….this kind of forgiveness…..
Until I love people CONSTANTLY.
DustyTakle.com 
Lack Of forgiveness creates a viscious cycle if resentment and retaliation…..
Wow Dusty!! Such a powerful message but oh so true. Thank you so much for sharing this word today and for the reminder.
You know the best part about it is that it’s just a choice. Not to say it’s the easiest thing in the world, because we do have to battle your flesh in the decision to choose (choosing to forgive),but it’s just a choice. Myself? Well, I make it this huge drawn out thing of why, when, “but they need to first”, or “when I forgive them”. But it is not supposed to be complicated. We make a choice to forgive, release this tally mark of debts we have held on to, and then wait for God to line our feelings up with our decision.
One of the coolest (and comforting) things that has ever been shown to me, is that the minute you choose to forgive, every emotion and hurt feeling doesn’t just disappear, it is a process, and we are to start it.
So good, Liz!! And, so right that it’s a choice. We can’t always feel our way into an action, but we CAN act our way into a feeling.
Your blogs are very inspirational. 🙂 I’m not a Christian myself, but I have read the bible and I am a spiritualist, so I enjoy hearing your view and I agree with most of what you say. (I would say all, but I haven’t read everything you’ve written. 🙂 ) You’re very good with words as well. I think I’ll start a blog here to share my spiritual journeys and daily growth. 🙂 Thank you for your contribution to this Earth.
Thank you so very much! I look forward to reading about your life journey!