I've been pondering this topic for some time... the Golden Rule - "Treat others the way you want to be treated".
It sounds simple enough... treat others with kindness and respect. If you don't want it done to you, don't do it to others. However...in this current season, this has been quite a challenge! An assignment of sorts.
So, for me personally, the Golden Rule during the last few years has been re-phrased to, "Treat others the way you want to be treated, not the way they treat you!".
Seriously, this has been a tough season! Dodging so many "fiery arrows" (Ephesians 6:16). They've come from unexpected sources, and been the drive to be on guard and maintain a heart of forgiveness. That sounds easy, right? Forgiveness is not too hard when it's a one-time offense...but when you find yourself repeatedly forgiving the same offense from the same source/s, it becomes tiring... and you find yourself relying on God's grace to help you maintain a clean heart. Because it's much easier to have an unclean heart. My prayer, as previously mentioned, has been to maintain a clean heart (Psalm 51:10). Forgiving others may not change them, but it keeps my heart clean. We can't pray for others if we have offense in our heart towards them. Forgiveness is a choice. Even if we don't feel it, our decision to maintain a forgiving heart will eventually bring the feelings.
Part of my challenge is to accept that my side of the story doesn't need to be told. My story is just as valid, but God is the only validation I need. In the end, God knows all, and He is above all. My challenge is to maintain a peaceful and clean heart, because we do not fight against flesh and blood. The battle is the Lord's. (Ephesians 6:12). I want no regrets. I just want to please my Father in heaven.
I hope this encourages somebody. 🦋
