It is so easy to forget that we are to accept responsibility for our actions, not the actions of other people.
I realized this a few months ago because I was upset due to the actions of another person. Their actions did not impact me, personally. But, I was actually angry because I could not understand why someone would do/or say that ‘thing’ which had upset me.
So, I sat back and began to really consider the difference between righteous and self righteous anger. I also thought about Jesus’ commands to love others (including enemies), make disciples, and love the Lord our God more than anything else. As I thought about that, I realized that so often we become angry, upset and honestly downright self righteous when we see other people NOT doing that. I also realized that so many people are mad, angry and living without joy because there is an expectation that others should behave in a certain way, including unbelievers.
As I pondered those thoughts and prayed, I realized that all too often, I try to take on the responsibility of ‘owning’ another person’s actions or thoughts – and other people do it, too. So, today, I want to share what I have learned about accepting responsibility for my actions, not the actions of other people – and how that has given me the freedom to have peace and rejoice daily. Grab your favorite drink, or your shoes to go for a walk and allow your own heart 20 minutes to find the peace and joy God wants you to experience – even in the worst of times.
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This episode of Rejoicing Daily is sponsored by Kerry at How To Homeschool My Child
You can find Kerry on her website, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, G+ and Pinterest.
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