Recently, I gave someone the middle finger. My family slowed down while entering a circle or round about, as a courtesy to allow another driver pass through. The driver behind us honked at us within seconds. I found it irritating. I turned around to look at the honking driver and she gave me the middle finger. I quickly returned her gesture without thinking or considering the fact that the little one was sitting next to me. I did exactly what Romans 12:1-2 asked me not to do. My response was emotionally and spiritually immature.
Giving the middle finger or cussing is not Christ-like.
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. Ephesians 5:4 (NIV)
What would Jesus have done if someone gave him the middle finger or cuss him out? He certainly would not mirror back obscenity. My response should have reflected Christ but it did not. 1 John 2:6 (NLT) says, “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.”
My conscience judged me, I repented, and reflected on the situation. The situation brought to light many things I need to work on emotionally and spiritually.
Whenever God shows me things I need to work on in my life, I work on them because I do not want to take God’s grace for granted. I work on them knowing God will help me do his will or change. Philippains 2:13 (NLT) says, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”
We deceive and deny ourselves God’s best when we normalize sin in our lives. Never make excuse for sin. Doing so leads to a life of deception and leaves no room for repentance. Yes, God understands. Yet, he corrects us because he loves us (Hebrews 12:6) and we should accept God’s correction for our own good.
I hear a lot about God loving us and little about how we should respond to his love. We are supposed to love him back by doing the things that please him (John 14:15). It does not mean we are working to be loved. We cannot repay God for his love.
I am becoming like Christ and crucifying the flesh daily. It is a process that would be completed when I see Jesus face to face in eternity. Knowing this keeps condemnation at bay when I fall short in my calling as a mother, wife, and other areas of my life.
Thank you for reading my confession and reflection.
Be blessed!
Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 1John 3:2 (NIV)
Would you like to become a member of God’s family? Please say the prayer below and let me know about it here.
Say this: Heavenly Father,
I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe you exist and you sent Jesus to die for me. I receive your love and forgiveness. Reveal yourself to me. I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Amen
Welcome to God’s family!
