Happy Thanksgiving! May you enjoy the day giving thanks in “all things!”
It has never been a problem for me to share Jesus with others! I learned how as a young girl. Growing up in the church gave me the opportunity to be in different environments that encouraged not only my faith, but also enabled me to learn from others who shared their faith.
The hardest thing about “my witness,” at times, is my sin…when I lose my temper…or even when I have thoughts that cause me to make poor decisions. Recently I lost my patience with a sales clerk. I was out shopping with friends and Collins while on a girls’ trip, an annual tradition for us–memories are made and invaluable time is spent. The sales clerk had a sharp tone with my friend and her girls as they entered a dressing room to try on clothes.
I was caught off guard by her rudeness and the fact that she raised her voice at them. I called her out with “the same tone” she used on them. Immediately after…I had a strong conviction from the Lord! How in the world could I be like Jesus…when I returned the anger to her?! I immediately had the Scripture that I memorized long ago–“A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger!” (Proverbs 15:1)–come to my spirit. That is one of the many positives in memorizing Scripture…God uses it to bring conviction which ultimately brings repentance…and turning from wrong behavior…and also causing me to apologize…regardless of her behavior.
Advice….don’t embrace and own someone else’s anger! Don’t take the bait! Walking in the Spirit, reading His Word and praying helps, but sometimes you are still caught off guard. Satan’s tactic–to throw you off. If you are a Christian, he then likes to throw guilt your way if you have given back anger for anger. Instead of wallowing in guilt, if you return a sharp tone or reaction, quickly repent and then apologize. You can say, even to a stranger, “I am so sorry for my sharp tone. Please forgive me!” That is it. That is a witness in and of itself…humbling yourself regardless of the other party’s reaction.
During this Christmas season we have no idea what is behind many people’s behavior. Maybe Christmas isn’t a merry time for them because of loss, family issues, who knows. So it is especially important to “walk in the Spirit”. In order to do that …..don’t get too busy….to be in His presence often….so as not to be caught off guard. Luke 11:33, “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl, Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.” The brightest light that should shine this holiday season and always is the light of Christ within us regardless of another’s light or lack of it! BE the Light to someone else!!!
“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.” ~William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice