I heard this quote recently, “Don’t mistake guarding your heart with hardening your heart.” As I pondered those words, I thought about how much truth they contain. I am by nature a very sensitive person. I get me feelings hurt easily. I have found this to be a lifelong struggle. Many times I have uttered these words through tears, “I am going to give up caring, I cannot handle being hurt again”.
However, God does not desire for me or for you to give up caring and loving. He showed us the perfect example in His son Jesus Christ. The scriptures tell us in 1 Peter 2:23, that when insults were hurled at him, He did not respond with insults. When he suffered he did not respond with threats. He continued to love and sacrifice Himself for the very people that mistreated and hurt Him.
It is easy in this life to allow our emotions to get in the way of loving. I pray that when we are tempted to do so, we will remember Jesus, who endured far more than we ever will, yet continued to love unconditionally. I pray that our lives will be marked by selfless service, consistent care, and longsuffering love…like the One we model our lives after…today and always!
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44
Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. Luke 6:28
Rebecca Hasselbach has a passion for Jesus and this life He has given her. She enjoys sharing her love for Jesus through her role as a pastor’s wife. She loves God’s creation and enjoys spending as much time in it as possible. Rebecca also enjoys expressing herself through writing, and counts herself blessed that she gets to spend her time raising her children. To read more of Rebecca’s writing visit her blog www.beautyinthemoments.org
