I often feel like many people tend to get themselves into petty drama all. The. Time.
I don't understand how people live that way. You know what I'm talking about; the people who are constantly ranting and raving about all the 'haters' and 'jealous' people in their lives. The people who seem convinced that everyone is just out to get them. Or the people who are constantly trying to start fights with others. I feel like in some ways it gets amplified nowadays because of social media.
Do you know people like that? Maybe you're guilty of that. Honestly, every once in a while we all can be petty or bitter. When life gets tough, and stressful, sometimes it can be easy to make the excuse to lash out because you're frustrated, or don't feel well.
Let me give it to you straight: There is never a good excuse to lash out at someone. It doesn't matter how you feel, or what someone else said to you earlier in the day.
I'm talking to myself here, too. I've done this more times than I can count. The older I get, the more I see that being petty does nothing more than pour more hate, hurt, bitterness, and frustration into the world.
As Christians, we must walk in love. In case you need a reminder, biblical love is mostly a verb. Biblical love is action, seeking the best for others.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It isn't envious, nor does it brag about itself. It isn't proud. It does not bring dishonor to others, nor is it selfish. It isn't irritable, nor does it keep a record of everything someone has done wrong. It always protects, always trusts, and never gives up. Love never fails..." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8.)
We choose whether or not we walk in love. Loving others when we are irritable or not feeling well isn't easy. But, it isn't impossible.
It is a part of bearing fruit in our walk with Christ. Meaning, we grow more like Christ. Some of the fruits we need to work on bearing for this situation are Love, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control.
We must choose to love, and seek the best for another person. We must choose to be patient. We must choose to be kind, and gentle. We must develop self-control over ourselves and our tongues.
Are these qualities easy to develop? No, but growing isn't easy, and it isn't supposed to be. It's an article for another day, but following after Christ isn't supposed to be comfortable.
It's okay to be angry. It's okay to have feelings. But it's not okay to mistreat others because of how you feel. You don't get a free pass to do and say whatever you want because of it.
If you're angry, say so; but don't hurl insults or yell. (Ephesians 4:26.)
If you're upset with someone, talk to them about it instead of telling the whole world. (Matthew 18:15, Ephesians 4:29.)
If you're irritable, train yourself to bite your tongue. Leave the room if you have to. Stop hanging out with petty and bitter people. Stop giving attention to people who feel the need to constantly instigate fights. Instead, hang around with those who pour life and light into your life.
It isn't easy. But, you may find that when you choose to walk in love, no matter how you feel, you have more authentic joy in your life.
This week, work on taming your tongue and choosing love, even if you don't feel like it. You've got this.
Love,
Chelsea
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