Understanding
Reading for Tuesday, March 16
John 6:16-27
“I am never upset for the reason I think.” Gerald Jampolsky
Jesus experienced misunderstanding of his mission, rejection by those be ministered to, betrayal and denial by his chosen disciples. Even when we start in good faith in our relationships, we meet disappointment in the response of others. Jesus gives us the example of acceptance and forgiveness.
Before we can respond in that way, we need to honor our own very human emotional response. Understandably we are upset. The primary feelings are anger, hurt, and desire for revenge and resentment. These may lead to withdrawal and termination of the relationship.
We blame ourselves or the other person rather than seeking to understand. If we go to self-blame by saying “I deserved this” or “I made a stupid choice of friends,” we damage our own sense of worth. If we blame and judge the other person, we move into cynicism and loss of trust. The underlying emotion is fear.
To seek to understand others and their behaviors, we begin with self-affirmation. Jesus was strengthened by the inner assurance that he was doing God’s will. He was able to leave the judging and punishing in God’s hands. We can learn to say “This behavior is their problem. I am sad but not defeated or disillusioned.”
Today, if I feel hurt or angry, I will take care of my upset feelings by giving myself an extra helping of loving thoughts.
“Journey to Jerusalem” written by Martha Wiglesworth
Reading for Tuesday, March 16
John 6:16-27
“I am never upset for the reason I think.” Gerald Jampolsky
Jesus experienced misunderstanding of his mission, rejection by those be ministered to, betrayal and denial by his chosen disciples. Even when we start in good faith in our relationships, we meet disappointment in the response of others. Jesus gives us the example of acceptance and forgiveness.
Before we can respond in that way, we need to honor our own very human emotional response. Understandably we are upset. The primary feelings are anger, hurt, and desire for revenge and resentment. These may lead to withdrawal and termination of the relationship.
We blame ourselves or the other person rather than seeking to understand. If we go to self-blame by saying “I deserved this” or “I made a stupid choice of friends,” we damage our own sense of worth. If we blame and judge the other person, we move into cynicism and loss of trust. The underlying emotion is fear.
To seek to understand others and their behaviors, we begin with self-affirmation. Jesus was strengthened by the inner assurance that he was doing God’s will. He was able to leave the judging and punishing in God’s hands. We can learn to say “This behavior is their problem. I am sad but not defeated or disillusioned.”
Today, if I feel hurt or angry, I will take care of my upset feelings by giving myself an extra helping of loving thoughts.
“Journey to Jerusalem” written by Martha Wiglesworth