God's Timing

I love that God's timing is perfect. He is the only one I know who delivers a timely word RIGHT when I need it. My pastor (at Christ the King Church, the GREATEST church ever!!) has been sending out a devotion she writes every day to the congregation. I want to share today's, as I think everyone could benefit from it, she is such a wise woman!!

Want Mercy? Give Mercy!
I think that most people who act offensively don't do it on purpose. Sometimes they just act in a way that gives a wrong impression to others. Usually people who have done something offensive or hurtful to others aren't even aware of what they did or how others are viewing it.

Haven't you had times when your actions were misunderstood and what you said was taken differently than how you meant it ? Think about it. Have you ever been misunderstood? Has anyone ever questioned your motives? Did it shock you to hear what others thought about you, especially when you knew your intentions were right? When you find out that others have misunderstood you, don't you wish they would believe the best about you? Don't you wish they wouldn't rush to judgment and condemn you for something you never intended to project?

Just as you want others to believe the best about you, you also need to reverse that grace and believe the best about others. So consider this question: If someone does something offensive, do you rush to judgment, or do you assume that the other person would never deliberately intend to be offensive?

A good rule to live by is to give the same grace to others that you want them to extend to you. You'll never go wrong by extending mercy to people. In fact, according to the law of sowing and reaping, if you give mercy to others, you are guaranteed to reap mercy from others when you need it the most.

So before your flesh becomes stirred up and upset the next time someone offends you, remember this: The chances are very good that you've done the very same thing to others that this person has done to you! That's why you need to speak to your emotions when you are tempted to get offended or to get into strife. Remind yourself of the many times you've been loved, forgiven, and freely accepted in spite of something you've done.

Wouldn't the world be a better place if we all assumed the BEST instead of the worst of others??? I know her words challenged and inspired me...hope they do for some of you too! =)
Have a great day!!