Being genuinely happy for the good fortune of others doesn’t come to us naturally. Often it’s easier to commiserate with friends rather than celebrate with them. But when you rejoice with those who rejoice, you’re modelling Christ.
We need each other. You need someone and someone needs you. Isolated islands we’re not. To make this thing called life work, we gotta lean and support. And relate and respond. And give and take. And confess and forgive.
Being involved means more than shaking hands with people on your way out of a church service—it’s investing in the lives of others.
But, you see, that’s what brings about the joy of gratitude...receiving what we don’t deserve. When that happens, humility replaces pride. A thankful spirit cancels out arrogance. Mercy flies in the face of resentment.
Have you ever suffered alone? Who hasn’t, it’s devastating. We were created to share life with each other. Take a look around—who could use your friendship right now?
Walking closely with the Lord means we must come to terms with forgiving others. Yes, must. We can’t avoid or deny the fact that relationships often bring hurt and the need to forgive.
Involvement with others should be spontaneous, never forced. And allowing yourself to be vulnerable is essential for involvement.
The word rendered “transform,” metamorphoo, means “to be changed from one thing into another.” This Greek word is transliterated to render the English word metamorphosis.
We’re all tempted to get even when we’ve been wronged; our natural reaction is to retaliate. However, a better response extends grace. It not only demonstrates self-control but it shows you don’t take your cues from how the world would respond—but rather from what God wants you to do.
It’s easy to compare ourselves to others—but there’s no reason to! God made each of us unique and to Him we are works of art.
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