3:312 – Gloating and Mourning

#faithbites #faithjourney gloating

Setting

Today was a big day for many of us. Some of us had our wishes granted with the projection of the presidential race. Some of us has our hopes dashed with the projection of the presidential race. I have seen mourning and gloating.

When I reflect back to 2016, I remember this in reverse. Here is the thing, we can’t gloat when we win. We need to love and see others as they are. We can be happy and celebrate but not gloat. At the same time, we need to realize that many are saddened and have to support them with love and kindness.

Gloating and Mourning are two extremes of what people are feeling right now. God commands us to love all people. I fail constantly at this. I’ve been mean, been hurtful, and gloated. God keeps telling me this is no way to live and he demands better. We all need to do it, one day at a time.

Scripture

• Proverbs 24:17-18 – Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the Lord see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him.
• Obadiah 1:12 – But do not gloat over the day of your brother in the day of his misfortune; do not rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their ruin; do not boast in the day of distress
• Luke 6:25 – Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. “Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.

Reflection

The Proverbs verse talks about enemies. We need to change our perspective. Instead of my , we need to look at one another as brothers and sisters who all truly want the best for our country and one another. We shouldn’t boast, gloat, or say how do you like it.

We have all been full and then hungry.

This isn’t something that will happen overnight but is a life long journey. It’s ok to admit being wrong. It’s ok to ask forgiveness. One day at a time to build bridges and live in communion as God wants us to.

Challenge

Before doing anything, think about how you are feeling. Why are you feeling that way. Is it based on fact or emotion? Try to understand why you feel what you feel. Then make sure to work with one another in love.

Prayer

Father God, please continue to be with your people. Some are in mourning, some are in a state of sadness, others are excited, and some just don’t know.

Lord, help us to avoid gloating. Help us to be gracious and loving. Help us who are mourning to see you as the center of and the reason for all things. We have to remember that you know best and this is your world and not ours. We entrust our lives to you, always. In your name, we pray, Amen.