Colossians 3:12-15
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe
yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and
patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you
has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over
all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect
unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be
thankful.
My first response was anger.
I'm not usually an angry person. I prefer to live
a peaceful life. But when someone hurts the people I love, I get mad. Sometimes,
rightfully so.
But I've learned the anger that fills me, also
drains me.
More than once, I've had to tamper down my gut
reaction and replace my ire with calm. Instead of agitation, I ask God to bring
peace.
During the week between Christmas and New Year's
Day, I tend to contemplate what the new year will bring. This week I'm not considering
what's going to happen, but how I will respond. You see, I may not like what
someone says to me or circumstances that come my way. I may not be able to
change what happens. But, I can change my response.
If I truly let Jesus rule my heart, I'll also let
him guide my emotions and my reactions.
"God, fill me with compassion,
kindness and peace."
If there is someone you need to forgive, make the
new year a clean slate and offer forgiveness. If someone made you angry, go to
them and resolve the issues. If someone broke your heart. Consider your
response with prayer.
And we know that in all things God works for the
good of those who love him, who have been called according to
his purpose. -Romans 8:28
