How important is your side? How important is my side? We are made for relationship. Please explain to me then, why it is so complicated? Why does it feel as if the more you try, the worse it ends up?
These are the wrong questions to ask!
“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
Now riddle me this. Do we follow this when things go great? Yes. Do we follow this when we run into trouble? No.
How can one get from, my feelings got hurt so now I’m angry, to a mind open to love. The answer is simple. God. God’s love has to be number one. That way, it’s not your side or my side, it’s God’s side.
…..God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no FEAR in love. But perfect love drives out FEAR, because FEAR has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. I John 4:16-18
Think back on all the times you’ve been angry. It’s more than likely been driven by fear. Fear of an unknown future (and quite possible even more fueled by an cluttered past) causes us to forget love. Chaos ensues.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will GUARD your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:6,7
So here we are. We have verses that soothe our souls. We are to think about things that are true, noble right, pure, lovely and admirable. We are to drive out fear by our love for God. We are to let go of anxiety and pray.
Learning to live in this world through HOPE 