Thursday, December 6, 2018

When People Are Unkind



If you have lived long or just a little while on this earth, you have probably experienced the sting of someone being unkind to you.  Perhaps it left you feeling sad, bruised, hurt, or if it was repeated, maybe it made you quite upset.  Maybe you wanted to dwell on the pain, or just couldn't get it out of your mind--the way this person has hurt you.

But there is much that we can do that would be much more beneficial.  When someone has been unkind, instead of becoming bitter, angry, or resentful, or dwelling on the hurt, instead we can:

  • Think of the times we have been unkind to others and make amends if possible.  Of course, ask the Lord's forgiveness as well.
  • Think of all of the Lord's kindness to you, and do your best to still show that person love.
  • Let it be a reminder to take more time to think before speaking, for oh, how our little tongue can be a burning fire if not controlled!
  • Use this as an opportunity to grow closer to your loving Saviour, knowing that He is never unkind, and never unjust.
  • Let the unkindness you were shown be a reminder to be sweeter, more loving, more patient, more understanding, and more kind yourself.  This is what comes to my mind most often--how can I be more kind to others?  Am I showing them love? Am I speaking in a way that shows my care for them?  Am I loving them in my heart?  Surely if we are not truly loving in our hearts, we will not be able to show genuine love to others.

This is a little list of reminders I have come up with for myself.  Perhaps it will be a help for you as well, and please let me know if you have any other helpful ideas.

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4 comments:

  1. This is a very good list!
    It sure hurts when others are unthoughtful/unkind. And it feels the same to others when we do it, even without intending to. (Sometimes it's better to stop for a few seconds before speaking to think through what we should say.)
    I always think of the Scriptures where it tells us:
    Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
    It's something we need to practice doing, as it is unnatural to us to do so.
    Blessings!

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  2. So true and so encouraging---thanks, friend!

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  3. From one who was unkind to others without realizing it, may I say that perhaps the reason someone is unkind is because they are experiencing great emotional pain, as I was. It would have helped, especially at church, if the sisters had embraced me and helped me to feel loved, instead of thinking I was angry and so avoiding me. It was a dark time in my life and the only one I could count on was my Lord and Savior! But it sure would have helped to have had a friend at church at that time.

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  4. Thank you for that Scripture, Mrs. Cooper~a needed reminder, and yes, unnatural for us to do.
    Rozy Lass~it is difficult when we are going through dark times to not have the support of others. I have been through this myself many times. But oh, how good it is to have the Saviour to lean on in such times. May we cling to Him more.
    Love & God bless you, Sarah.

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