I wish that I could say that every time someone has done me wrong, I have responded appropriately.  I haven’t.  And even now, years into being saved and growing in Christ, there are times where I WISH I could just respond to people “any kind of way”.  Preacherman is excellent about not being driven by his emotions, and he takes great care to make sure that he not only responds appropriately to situations and circumstances, but that his response is one that not only glorifies God, but also one that displays righteousness (being in right standing with God).

What I have learned is that I’m not accountable for how other people treat me, but I am accountable for how I treat them; which is why my response to situations is paramount. As I was praying about a situation that really challenged me this week, I kept hearing in my spirit something that I heard a fellow ministers’ wife say before: “the reward for righteousness is peace”.  That thought leads me to this week’s memory verse:

“And the effect of righteousness will be peace [internal and external], and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever.” –Isaiah 32:17 (Amplified)

When I reflect on this verse, I realize that I’d rather have the peace that comes with handling situations in a Godly way, than to have to worry about the effects and negative consequences for responding out of my flesh.  Furthermore, doing so can allow others to build confidence and trust in me, which is needed if we want to reach people for God.  If people can’t trust in me, how can they trust that what I say about God and who He is is real?

Things to ponder.

Be encouraged!  Peace and Blessings!