“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)
In the past when someone criticized me I would immediately become defensive. Why was I being held responsible for someone else’s feelings or experience? I resented that because, growing up no one ever took responsibility for my feelings. I had to manage that space on my own. My childhood trauma was showing up in those encounters. When we feel we are being attacked are criticized we are flooded with emotions and can feel overwhelmed which can result in defensive language. This emotional response is evoked because the “information we received differs from how we think of ourselves or want others to see us, so we get defensive and overjustify, make excuses, minimize, blame, discredit, discount, refute, and reinterpret.” “Acceptance gives us the power to move forward in relationships. Hurting and disappointing other people feels terrible. But it happens, and instead of getting on the defensive, we take responsibility for the pain we’ve caused, listen intently to understand the other person's suffering, offer a genuine apology, and revitalize a commitment to acting with compassion.” When we make it about us it never turns out well. The Lord is looking for his children to keep our eyes on Him so that we respond with compassion and humility. Acceptance is taking Responsibility. GiGi❤️
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