“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
– Ephesians 4:15-16
There was a member of my extended family that didn’t really like me. She used to call me stupid and clumsy. I wasn’t a stupid or clumsy kid. But when I was around her, I sort of thought I was. So anytime I was around her, I said stupid things. I became clumsy; I dropped plates and knocked things over. And of course, she reinforced by faith that I’m a clumsy person. “Oh, isn’t he so clumsy.” And then laughed. Of course it was terribly hurtful, and she reaffirmed it over my life. She saw the worst in me, so I couldn’t help but give her the very worst. If you see the worst in others, that’s exactly what you’ll get. You’ll make it so, even if they don’t want you to. But if you see the best in people and believe in others, you will draw the best out of them. Have you ever seen that in your family, at work or in your sports team? It’s true, right? If you actively believe in your family, co-workers or sports team, you’ll get the very best. |
Prayer
Lord, we pray for your eyes to look at the people around us. Help us to see the best in others, so we’ll encourage them to be at their best.
Reflection
How do you want to change your look at the people around you?
3 Responses
I believe these messages are always very timely in my life. This message presents a challenge for me though. I woke up yesterday morning to find that my 16 year old son had stolen all my jewelry to pay off drug debt. He was only allowed to move back in two weeks ago and it was based on the fact that I was seeing change in his behaviour. I was focusing on all the positive things and believing that he had changed. I was following the principle of expect positive things and you’ll get positive behaviour. Then I’m hit with this yesterday and I feel like I was being totally naive. I now feel like he sees me as just access to money. How do I start seeing the best in him when he keeps hurting me?
Hi, Tonya!
So sorry to hear that this is happening. Although your son is going through a difficult time, I commend you for your grace and unconditional love. Keep showing him that grace — he is in God’s hands. We are praying for you and for your son!
Thanks Megan, please keep our family in your prayers. We need it.