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I can't.
I can't change my feelings.
Or can I?
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.--2Corinthians 10:5
Every argument--like when someone hurts me and I simmer in my own pique.
Every pretension--like when I let myself become victim to something..anything.
Offenses hurt.
They niggle their way inside and won't leave.
They interfere with my life in Christ.
But (I say) they are FEELINGS...I can't change my FEELINGS!
Yes, I can.
Yes, I can.
But I have to knock them out.
I have to grab them by the neck, give them a hard left hook, and put them onto the mat.
I have to demolish them.
Oswald Chambers said that only moral choices turn our legal innocence, which Christ bought on the cross, into holy character.*
What does that mean?
It means that we have to give every un-Christlike thought, word, action, or emotion the heave-ho, no matter what it takes.
And they will not go politely.
Change an action by deliberately doing something different.
Change a word by deliberately saying something different.
Change a thought or emotion by deliberately thinking something different.
If I want to think: "Oh, he (or she) is so mean. How could he do such a thing?",
think instead "God gave me this husband (son, sister, boss, dad...). He may have hurt my feelings today, but made me happy yesterday and consistently does this good thing (fill in the blank). I hurt today, but God has my back. I'm ok." And give him a hug.
Can't do it?
Yes, you can.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.--Phillipians 2:13
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.--Phillipians 2:8
When you're hurt? Yes.
When you're mad? Yes.
Put on those Everlasts (read--everlasting life) and change the way you feel.
*My Utmost for His Highest, September 8
Deliberate! It's easy to coast, but deliberate action helps me win.
ReplyDeleteYes, ma'am. If we don't wrestle our hurt pride to the mat, we will never win.
DeleteI found your blog via Spiritual Sundays. I absolutely love your style, and most ecspecially, the words of encouragment. Just what I needed today! I look forward to following your blog!
ReplyDeletetheunraveledmom.com
Well, thanks...I'm so glad. I'll look forward to hearing from you.
Delete"They will not go politely." Amen to that! We need to shove them out the door with a good kick in the pants! And we need something else helping us, those things like you named that will push them out as they replace them. And of course the Holy Spirit. Always Him. Always I need His help. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThe Holy Spirit. Of course. To God be the glory...those calm replies to hurt certainly don't come from my own flesh, that's for sure.
DeleteBeing deliberate to change is not always easy. I can get so easily offended at times. Thank you for sharing this post at The Weekend Brew.
ReplyDeleteEasily offended....no kidding. You and me both. And hoping to return to the Weekend Brew.
DeleteAbsolutely, It can definitely be done. With GOD, all things are possible!
ReplyDeleteYes, they are. Just like your name. Victory.
DeleteI stopping over from Michelle DeRusha's Hear it on Sunday...and enjoyed reading your post!! I needed to hear that 'I can do it' this morning!! Thanks for the encouragement.
ReplyDeleteSo glad God's timing was right again. Sometimes it's helpful to know we fall in similar pits, and to show one another the way out.
Delete