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Thu 11/2
Story
Bringing Compassion to Disagreements
Based on a story by Edie Melson
Edie knew that the topic of America’s involvement in military conflicts generally brought instant disagreements. Everyone has an opinion. When her kids were little, she stood strong in my convictions, but when she sent her son off to war, suddenly things weren’t so clear.
Edie came to see that people—and she knew that it was true of her, too—can be cruel when they speak without thinking. After her son became a Marine, she heard such painful things about war and soldiers. Though these comments sometimes followed by the half-hearted, “I’m sure it’s not like that with your son,” the damage had already been done. She felt as if her heart had been stomped flat.
At first Edie would take offense, wondering why would people say such things? Then compassion began to surface. How many times had she stomped all over someone else’s heart over a different subject? Many times, she realized, difficult as it was to admit.
Edie began to think about being the cause of pain. How many times had she, as a follower of Christ and His message of love, voiced a half-considered comment and caused someone else pain? Had her words come from a place of all-encompassing love or not?
In the end, Edie’s own hurt helped her to become more aware of the hurt in others. And just as Jesus would, she endeavored to always respond with love, even to those with whom she disagreed.
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—Romans 12:19-21
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
ESV
Reflect
What will you do the next time you feel angry with someone?
I will reflect on how my actions could have also caused them harm.
I will talk with the person and keep a mindset of forgiveness.
I will ask for God to fill my heart with kindness and compassion.
May God’s love encourage and guide your steps today. We’ll see you again soon!
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