Proverbs 17:22 English Standard Version (ESV)
A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
It is hard to have a joyful heart when someone disrespects you. It's like you are fighting a inside battle and negative words can crush your spirit. Little by little you find yourself not becoming stronger, but giving in. I have heard people say, "it is what it is". It doesn't have to be that way, because you can speak up. Don't loose your voice in doing what is right.
RESPECT ~
Dictionary: A feeling of deep admiration for someone. A particular aspect, point or detail. Admire someone's abilities, qualities or achievements.
Press forward and know who you are in God. You are a new person with strengths you might not realize. There is power in the name of Jesus and courage is yours as well.
2 Timothy 2:15 New International Version (NIV)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
You might not think you deserve kindness but you do. God has came to gives us new beginnings in him and changes us from the inside. Not everyone will understand you or your decisions and that's okay. It is okay because God wants you to see yourself the way he does. God speaks words of kindness and your deserve respect. I often think if I don't respect myself, then how can I expect respect from others. it's just a thought but a powerful one. Speak truth unto yourself and kindness.
Matthew 15:10-11 New International Version (NIV)
Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. 11 What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
WORDS ~
Be careful of the words you says. Words plant and become positive or negative for us in our life time. I've played over words of others many times and found myself feeling sad. Words that said, "you should never". After the word never comes a list of things I should never do again. But when God speaks to your heart, you just do it.
I write daily, I teach and I lead from my heart. I become a little off balance at times because I want everyone happy. I've learned it's not my job to make people happy. I see the importance of taking care of myself and my own mind. I need time with Jesus and I find it easy to talk to others about him. Yesterday, I met this person young lady at our church. She just moved here and I began to tell her a story about a little 4 year old girl who told her mommy that Jesus lives at this building. The Bible says:
Matthew 21:16 New International Version (NIV)16 “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him.
“Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read,
“‘From the lips of children and infants
you, Lord, have called forth your praise?”
Let me now go back to the 4 year old girl. She cried as she passed the church. She knew she had to see Jesus and her mommy turned the car around and brought her. She didn't know anything about the church, but only knew to take her daughter to Jesus. It was an amazing experience and I will never forget the look at the child's face when she says, "Mommy, this is the place and Jesus is here".
If we only be like little children and come to Jesus. Time to let go of what our minds says and open our hearts to how God leads us. We must first put our trust in God, open our hearts and see ourselves the way God does. He has forgiven us and shows us the right way to live, act and receive. Respect yourself and take care of you my friend. We are busy in our lives and often forget to take care of ourselves in health, rest and spiritually. Find that happy place in God and rest there in all decision you must makes, carry out in life and be an example to others.
My prayers continue for you, your family and friends. Show respect and live in the newness of God each day to yourself. After all, we can't give out what we don't have ~ JESUS. Believe in him and trust beyond limits.
~ Sparkie