Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Sandpaper People


Are there certain people in your life that you wish you just did not have to deal with? Do you try avoiding them? Have you noticed that being around these people or even just talking to them briefly on the phone brings out something in you that you don’t like? If there is no one like this in your life then great! But in my life I definitely have a couple of people like that.

I call these people the sandpaper in my life. I have found that God will use these abrasive people to remove the ugliness off of the surface of my heart. They are the sandpaper that God uses to make me smoother. He shows me through my reaction to them that I have my own issues that I need to surrender and that I need to pray for them.

I have also found that if I try to avoid these people that God can bring someone else just like them to take their place. He is determined to show me the lesson of learning how to react to them in love.

I have accepted that these people are allowed in my life to make me a better loving Christian. I have become more consistent with evaluating whether or not I handled the situation with love. Then I make it a point to correct my wrongs and remember to pray for them even if I feel like I don’t want to. I know that God will bless me for my sacrifice. Most of all I know that I am pleasing my Lord and being conformed to His image.

1 Peter 3:9 (Amplified Bible) Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God--that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection].

2 comments:

LaKenya said...

I had to go back and re-read. Sometimes you think the ugly part of you is gone. It only seems that way because you haven't been in a position for God to show you it's still in you. After yesterday God said it's still in you.

It's called the Love Factor!!!!!!!

Lisa C. aka Trophy of Grace said...

I really needed to reread this too sister. Thanks for sharing. Love you!

My God is Faithful!

My God is Faithful!
Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.He lifted me out of the slimy pit,out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.