3:226 – No Worries, Mate

#faithbites #faithjourney worries

Setting

One of my most used phrases is, “No Worries”. I say this a lot when someone apologies to me for something they did wrong or a perceived slight. I like this phrase as I truly mean it, no worries. We all screw up, make mistakes, and fall short. What we need to do is not take offense at what was said but get to understanding. Heck, I use the wrong words and mess up everyday, but I apologize and seek understanding so I don’t mess up again.

Today, I was looking for random scriptures to inspire me and found Proverbs 19:11. Wisdom leads to patience. It’s glory to overlook an offense. When we don’t, it’s like sipping poison and expecting the other person to die. We need to let it go and seek understanding.

Scripture

• Proverbs 19:11 – A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
• Leviticus 19:18 – You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord

Reflection

I have often been told I don’t have patience and can hold grudges. It’s something I’m working on. When it’s a slight that someone apologies for and they don’t do it again, I’m great with the no worries comment. The problem comes when they keep doing it over and over. My patience is dried up and there is no glory in the way I respond.

What if we offered the forgiveness of Christ to those who slighted us? What if we were patience and showed our wisdom by letting it go.

I’m trying every day and I know we will all need grace and help from God in the coming weeks, months, and years.

Challenge

When you perceive a slight or someone apologies, respond with no worries. If it keeps happening then it’s time for a deeper conversation. But approach that conversation with love, kind was, and understanding.

Prayer

Father God, help us to always respond with wisdom and patience. Let us not hold grudges. Help us to be like you and forgive as you forgive us.

This is hard when we see so much evil in the world. We know how you want us to respond, just give us the tools and words to do so. In your heavenly name, Amen.