Don't Treat Me Like That!

 

 The level of respect you give others is a direct reflection of your heart. Luke 6:31, Philippines 2:3, Romans 12:10, 1Peter 3:8, Mark 12:31

I use this blog as a method to work out my thoughts and understandings. I began this one thinking the topic was "them", as I progressed through the scriptures I realized I was the subject. Yah humbled me with each and every verse. I deleted much of what I had written, and started over. 

I am often told that you teach people how to treat you.  Yes, to an extent I agree, however, how people treat you is something that comes from within them. They treat you in the manner that demonstrates how much they value you and your relationship, it's what they believe you deserve. Whether it's a two second interaction like in traffic, or a more personal relationship like family, friends, or work relationships, they can only give to you from the reserve of what fills them. A person with kindness, humility,  and generosity will display those characteristics in their treatment of others. Same for people filled with bitterness, self elevation, and pride, their treatment of others reflects those characteristics.  

 Luke 6:28-30, Leviticus 19:18, Romans 12:14, 1 Peter 3:16 and Matthew 5:11-12, 5:44 reveal Yahusha’s heart on the subject. Seems like teaching others how to treat you is by example. Am I saying to take abuse without question, heaven forbid. You can set up boundaries. It's not loving towards anyone to allow them to continue in sin. But outside of your assembly, I don't think there's much we can do except teach by example.  So be a good example. Within our faith community we do have clear steps to take.  Galatians 6:1, Matthew 18:15-17, and 2 Timothy 2:24-25, Proverbs 34:14, Provers 15:1, and Proverbs 19:11 are all great instructions for resolving conflict within the assembly. 

It's best not to focus too much on someone else's behavior,  but do self reflect on one's own behavior, or responses. Are we responding in a manner that brings Yah glory? Remember: the level of respect you give others is a direct reflection of your heart. Would He say, "well done"? Will our response highten the conflict or calm it? Romans 12:20 and Proverbs 25:21-22 direct us to respond with kindness. Maybe they're just hangry (hungry and angry) lol.  

Confession time! I am not always a good example.  Sometimes I feel pretty hurt by others and don't respond as Yahusha instructed me.  I have vented to my husband or another sympathetic ear. It feels better to get it "off my chest"  but is it really a good thing to vent or complain? According to scripture,  there's a fine line.  Proverbs 26:20, Psalm 34:14, Proverbs 20:19, Ephesians 4:29, Leviticus 19:16 are just as few references.  Fine line indeed, I  need to do better.  I desire encouragement and empathy when I seek a sympathetic ear, I need not cross that line into slander or gossip. Remembering that the person who has hurt me is loved by my Yah, and is made in His image the same as I. May my words lift up, encourage, and speak truth. 

We were never promised to be loved by everyone,  the earth is filled with people who are struggling. And not everyone knows the goodness of Yah. I want my initial reaction to unkindness to be lavish kindness. I want to be able to acknowledge the woundedness of that person, and react in love, instead of defense. 

Just a work in progress 

Teresa

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