Control your response! We can’t control what others are going to do or say today but we can control our responses. We need to make sure our heart is healthy and filled to overflowing with love otherwise our response could be catastrophic. When someone hurts your today, how will you respond? What is the state of your heart and how is your response showing how cleaned up and filled with love and joy it is or how dirty and voice of love and joy?
Let’s look to have a positive response to whatever comes our way so that we don’t allow the devil a foothold in our hearts, minds, and lives. Reject the option of a negative response of overreacting or lashing back as that will escalate things or at a minimum make it worth by proving to them they were right that you don’t care.
Since I prefer happy endings, I am going to start with the negative and then finish with the positive.
Negative Response:
- Anger: While anger is a natural emotion, it can be destructive if not controlled. “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26). We should not let our anger control us, but instead, seek to resolve conflicts in a peaceful and respectful manner.
- Retaliation: We should not seek revenge or retaliate against those who wrong us. “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone” (Romans 12:17). Instead, we should leave room for God’s justice and trust that He will make all things right in the end.
- Judgment: We should not judge others, but instead, leave judgment to God. “Do not judge so that you will not be judged” (Matthew 7:1). We should focus on our own faults and shortcomings, rather than pointing out the faults of others.
Positive Response:
- Forgiveness: Jesus teaches us to forgive those who sin against us, even if they don’t ask for forgiveness. “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Forgiveness is not easy, but it is essential for our own spiritual growth and well-being.
- Love: We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, even if they are difficult to love. “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). Remember, Love is not just a feeling, but an action. We can show love by being kind, patient, and compassionate towards others.
- Humility: We should not think of ourselves as better than others, but instead, consider others more important than ourselves. “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Humility helps us to avoid pride and arrogance, which can lead to conflict and division.
Today’s Verse of the Day:
For if you forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Matthew 6:14 AMP
I learned the hard way that having the wrong response causes a downward spiral that just makes things worse. Therefore, let’s be the dads whose first response is to forgive others of their reckless and willful sins against us. Moreover, let’s be the dads who choose to respond in a positive way so that it will glorify our heavenly Father and open the door for Him to be able to forgive us too.
Looking for the link to my video, I happened to find this one that I thought we could pause and watch together:
So how can we respond today based on today’s verse of the day when someone says or does something to or about us? What can we take from it and apply in our response?
Applications of Matthew 6:14 to help us be the dads who have the right responses in order to be able to meet the needs of our wives, kids, and world for the glory of God:
- Immediate Forgiveness: Don’t let the sun go down on your anger. Address conflicts promptly, seeking forgiveness and offering it as well.
- Prayerful Attitude: Pray for those who hurt you. This not only softens your heart but also helps you see others through God’s eyes.
- Self-Reflection: Regularly examine your own actions and attitudes. Acknowledge your shortcomings and seek forgiveness when needed.
- Avoid Retaliation: Resist the urge to retaliate or seek revenge. Trust in God’s justice and focus on responding with grace.
- Love Unconditionally: Love others, including your enemies, unconditionally. This includes your family, friends, and even those who may have wronged you.
- Express Kindness: Actively show kindness and compassion to others, even when it’s challenging. Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact.
- Practice Humility: Cultivate a humble mindset. Recognize that everyone is a work in progress, and treat others with respect and humility.
- Be Slow to Judge: Avoid passing quick judgments on others. Instead, seek to understand their perspective and extend the benefit of the doubt.
- Model Forgiveness for Your Children: Demonstrate forgiveness in your own life, teaching your children the importance of forgiveness through your actions.
- Reflect God’s Forgiveness: Recognize that your ability to forgive is rooted in God’s forgiveness of you. Reflect His love and forgiveness in your relationships.
Responding the way God would want:
By incorporating these applications into your daily life, you can respond in a way that aligns with the teachings of Matthew 6:14, fostering a positive and loving atmosphere in your family and community. This approach not only brings glory to God but also sets a powerful example for your children and those around you.
