When Others Wrong You
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“Living well is the best revenge.”
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George Herbert English clergyman & metaphysical poet (1593 – 1633)
- I heard this quote a while back. I can’t remember where. But it struck a chord with me. All of us at one time or another have had an uncomfortable situation with another person. A situation that leaves you feeling – well – confused, upset and sad. Some of those same situations do much more than that – they make us ANGRY and wanting to retaliate. Sadly, I have not always kept these feelings to myself and I have been angry and said things I should not have said. But honestly, for me – silence or a soft answer is the best method. It seriously will drive that person crazy! Killing them with kindness and all that jazz 🙂
- For me – I have not always been able to control what others say, think or even how they react. If we look out through the lens of our own uncertainty and insecurity – we at least know our own personal limitations and can anticipate an outcome. But when it comes to guessing how others are thinking – we can expect to get it wrong most of the time.
- There was a time not long ago that a situation with another person caused me to look at things very differently. I can no longer assume people always have my best interest in mind – or always have my back. I’ve learned not to take things lightly. I’ve learned not to presume that everyone who seems kind, sensitive and helpful – really is. Sometimes things have happened and I’ve found out the very character of the person I thought was incredibly different.
- A while back it troubled me. Really troubled me. Now I just look at the incredible opportunity for growth and character in me. I know that not everyone is going to react to stress and trouble in the same way that I do. I can’t control the way people think, the way they were raised and the role models, both positive and sadly, negative that they have had. And I’ve learned that while my heart wants to help and even rescue and change someone to be healthier and more positive – I just can’t do it. Only God can fix the very broken and heal the heart.
- When someone hurts you – it is often because they themselves are hurting. If they are not healthy and whole, they will often lash out, retreat at the first sign of trouble or make themselves the victim. Even those you thought you knew really well. Even those who thought would protect and never hurt you.
- It is sad but true.
- One thing you can do is come to a place of real deep forgiveness. Even if the other person never forgives back. Even if the other person cuts you out of their life and acts as if you are the problem. When we forgive – it is for us. It is a healthy place to live. Forgiveness says, “You do not owe me anything – I freely forgive the pain and other things creating a wall between us. I choose not to remember what you have done to me any more. I value you above all the circumstances and pain.” Forgiveness always gives a second chance. Forgiveness always finds a way. Forgiveness always reconciles.
- The other thing to do is this: Live well. Do not allow the grievances of the past to control you. Continue to grow as a person, to value others and not be afraid to love again. Love is always a risk. But a risk worth taking. In living well – you are an example to the world of God’s love and forgiveness. You will feel better and live longer. That is a promise.
- Try on a little forgiveness today. Take on a ‘short-memory’ when others wrong you. Start each day as a new day of opportunity and a find a way to bless others. It is truly the best revenge.
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Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another: merciful, forgiving one another, even as God hath forgiven you in Christ.
- God Bless
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