Wednesdays in the Word: Verse B

Boy I'll tell you what. When you set out to learn some Scripture, God sure does set out to teach some lessons. We're on verse B, and already I'm feeling some holy discipline. From both verses. It. Does. Not. Feel. Good.

So I say this to you because if you're taking this trip with me...and you're serious about it...you can count on some real "opportunities" to learn.

I'll be honest with you...when I started working on this verse this week, my initial thought was SERIOUSLY, GOD!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?

I love people. I really do. In all the jobs I've ever worked, the thing I've loved the most across the board about them has been the chance to work with people. To love on people. To invest in people. To learn their stories and be part of their lives.

It's been one of my favorite things about ministry too...in the Bible studies I've led and the groups I've participated in...I have loved making friends and sharing life and learning with those around me.

And even in my marriage...my favorite thing about Ryan is doing life with him. Just the day-in, day-out living.

But you know what? People can be tough.

I remember the time in Financial Aid when a student threatened to call her lawyer on me. {I had no idea if that was even possible, but I'll tell you what...those words can make a person's blood run cold.}

I remember the student that told me I wasn't a Christian because I wouldn't give her what she wanted. {I was prepared to take just about any kind of verbal abuse, but having my salvation judged by anyone other than Jesus crossed the line for me.}

I remember the teenager who called the teenage me "ewww." {Some things take a long time to forget...and even longer to stop believing.}

I remember the woman who blasted Ryan's character. {Pretty sure that whole "mama bear" thing I hear parents talks about came out of every pore of my being in a "wifey bear" sort of way.}

In those moments...it's hard to remember that people say things without thinking...or caring...or realizing...or stopping to consider future ramifications. It's hard to think first and react later.

The words of this verse lay heavily upon me, especially this week. Be kind. Be tenderhearted. Forgive like Christ.

A work that can only be done in me by the power of the Holy Spirit. I think in some way, this verse must build on the one we learned last week. Remember it? Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you.

Help me be kind. Help me be tenderhearted. Help me to forgive like You, Jesus. Even when the person staring back at me has no intention of doing the same.