My Feelings are Hurt
My Feelings are Hurt
“My feelings are hurt.” A friend spewed hateful words; our spouse behaved selfishly; our children forgot to be grateful; we are misunderstood.There are so many things that lead us to say “My feelings are hurt.”We can feel disappointed, disillusioned and disgruntled with others.It makes our heart ache.We just want to be treated with love and respect.We just want others to understand us, care about us and appreciate us.Really…is that too much to ask?
Hurt feelings bring about a lot of pain in relationships. We can have hurt feelings at our spouse, our children, our friends, and even at God.And most likely, anytime we feel hurt it is because our expectations of others have not been met.So, here we are with hurt feelings that are damaging relationships and bringing us down.What are we as Christ followers to do?
Well, first of all we know that God created us in His image. We read in scripture about the emotions of God.Therefore – like Him, we are emotional beings.The problem is our emotions can be influenced by our sinful nature.So, we must first of all allow God to have control of all of our being – even our emotions.He will direct, guide, influence and comfort us.Surrendering to Him will produce the fruit of the Spirit within us –(Galatians 5:22-23) love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Luke 6:43-45 tells us,“For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil.For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”
Hmmm….how are you doing? Are there some fruits of the Spirit you just do not have?Have words spewed out of your mouth you wish you had not said?Have you used the phrase “my feelings are hurt” to justify your sinful actions?“I am not going; my feelings are hurt.” “I am not talking; my feelings are hurt.”Yikes! I am right there with you – curling up my toes as the above scriptures stomp all over them.So, when we have issues with others – let’s deal with our own issue and let others do what they wish with their issue.We can choose to grow and change and become more and more of who God is calling us to be.Let’s choose today to let God’s word take root in our soul so our feelings don’t bend us, don’t break us.Remember – it is not all about us – it is all about Him.
Check out these verses and let them resonate within your heart:
Proverbs 28:26 – “Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.”Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25 (Yes, they are the same.) “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 12:16 “A fool’s wrath is known at once, but a prudent man covers shame.
Our way is never the right way. A quick reaction is surely due to Satan’s whispers.We must stop and seek God’s wisdom.We cannot trust our feelings to lead us in the right direction.But we can trust God’s word.We can hold our tongue until we have time to process the situation.And then we can respond as we are commanded to respond to others.
In Luke 6:27-36 Jesus tells us, “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also.And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either.Give to everyone who asks of you.And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back.And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them like-wise.But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?For even sinners love those who love them.And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you?For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back.But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping great, and you will be sons of the Most High.For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.”
WOW! Jesus exudes goodness.This is what we are called to – loving others better than ourselves.Let’s pray this prayer, “Lord, help us to be more like You!You promise that we can do all things though You who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13).Help us to love others even when they hurt us.Help us to love those who don’t like us, those who judge us, and those who simply don’t understand us.Help us to lay ourselves down and put our feeble feelings aside.Help us to respond as You would respond; forgive as You would forgive and love unconditionally the way You love. We need you, Jesus. Help us to be more and more and more like You!Amen.”
Farewell foolish feelings! Being rooted in God’s word is where I wish to be!
(Never miss a post. Subscribe and receive posts via your email. Click here and follow the instructions. So happy you are signing up!!!! http://masterwhatmatters.org/subscribe/#sthash.7gXnzmjw.dpbs)