Lord, I’m not one to talk. I’ve made every mistake I talked about today – and I’ll probably do some dumb things again before the day is over. (Lord, if you have any doubts about that fact, just ask my wife.) But I want to change. I want to do better. I want to be smart. I want fun and fulfillment, not drama and draining. So, the next time I lose my patience and get annoyed, I want to remember these words: I won’t antagonize you. (I won’t push your buttons. I won’t compare, condemn, correct, or criticize.) I won’t minimize your feelings. (Even if I don’t feel the same way, I won’t ignore or invalidate your feelings.) And I won’t criticize you. (I won’t nag, critique, or emphasize your mistakes. I won’t try to be your conscience.) Lord, now take my good intentions, and infuse them with Your power. You’re going to be with me – and that will make all the difference. Amen.
09
Jul '19
Love Forgives Mistakes
09
Jul '19
July 9, 2019
The Bible says, “Love forgets mistakes; nagging about them parts the best of friends.” (Proverbs 17:9)
Think of the person that’s closest to you in life. Even though you love them, there are some things they do that just flat out bug you. I mean, really bug you! You know – those things that really get you going. What am I saying? Let it go. It’s foolish to let that little thing control you. Let it go. There are so many things to love about them. Besides, you’re not God – so you’re not perfect either. Mike and Sally were celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Somebody walked over to Sally and said, “Congratulations on your 50-year marriage! What’s your secret?” Sally said, “I never tried to change him.”
Now, I’m not making this up. This is the exact truth. The same person walked up to Mike five minutes later. He said, “What’s the secret to a 50-year marriage?” Mike said, “I never tried to change her.”
Folks, I guess that’s the secret to a whole lot of things.
Why don’t you pray this prayer? I’ll go first; I’ll take the lead …