“But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Psalm 86:15). Through this chronic illness journey, I have learned a few things. One is to “cut people some slack.” Our friends, family, and even well-meaning strangers, have many opportunities to hurt our feelings or cause frustration. You know what I’m talking about–you can hear it now: “You look wonderful! You must be over what you had.” “Why aren’t you working anymore? I sure wish I didn’t have to work . . .” “You can’t be doing all that bad, you’re here aren’t you?” My advice is to cut people some slack. I know that our so-called “friends” can be insensitive at times and hurt our feelings, but most people mean no harm. Who among us has not said something that did not come out the way we intended? If I only had a dollar for every time I’ve said something that I wish I could take back. I’d be rich. Let’s follow God’s example of being slow to anger and abounding in love. Most people are not intentionally trying to hurt you with their words. After all, could you have understood chronic illness before it was a part of your life? When someone tells us we don’t “look sick” most people are really trying to compliment us. It’s just that it comes across as they don’t believe us. Sometimes people don’t know what to say and they only have a few seconds to respond to you. I believe there are very few people that purposefully try to be thoughtless and hurt your feelings. Take the famous advice to “let it go.” Holding on to hurt only brings more hurt. Not to mention it has no effect on them if they don’t even realize they are hurting you. I know it’s easier said than done. We all need to ask the Lord to help us. Prayer: Help me not to get angry with people who hurt my feelings. Amen. About the author: what hurtful things has someone said that sticks out in your mind? Have you “let it go” or are you holding on to that?
/>
Karen Weber has been struggling with health problems for over 20 years. She has a passion for helping others who deal with health challenges.
Karen, i love your kind hearted nature here as well as the encouragement to choose forgiveness, just as Christ. Remember when He said ‘ Father forgive them for they know not what they do”
That was a unbelievable difficult situation, considering what was happening, His torture and death, His ultimate sacrifice for us, on the cross. So if He can let that go, forgive them, forgive Me! Why should I not do the same for a comment, probably meant in a kindness.( or even if not)
Thank you for this reminder today! Blessings, Di
thanks Di – what powerful words
Thank you, Karen! I needed that reminder today as I ready myself to go babysit for my son and dil. I’m doing this in spite of the pain and it blesses me to hold that precious little 2 month-old. But, it seems more and more that it’s okay to just say whatever is on your mind if you are frustrated about how things are done in the household and I must be overly sensitive to that. I feel unappreciated when I really don’t have to be doing all of this, but I’m doing it out of love. And if I do say something I am told he can’t handle “drama”. So, I need to be mindful that they are sleep-deprived for one! Letting things go is very hard for me, but thanks Diane for the also reminding me this sacrifice is NOTHING compared to Christs.
PS IS REST MINISTRIES CLOSING *ALONG WITH* THE SUNROOM? I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST THE LATER, BUT I COULDN’T GET THIS TO SIGN IN WITH FACEBOOK, SO NOW I’M CURIOUS. THANKS!
Sherry, only the Sunroom has closed. Rest Ministries continues. 🙂
Though dear Lisa is having a tough time after her recent foot surgery, so she’s been unable to do the mammoth amount of work that she normally does behind the scenes to keep it all going smoothly. Lotsoluv Kerryn
An excellent message for us Karen 🙂
I know that I’ve been hurt by comments that were actually meant to be uplifting. I try to put myself in the other person’s shoes & wonder what I would have said before I was ill. I know that I said things to my ill son that were actually hurtful to him, before I was ill & had the fuller understanding that I do now! I’ve apologized profusely to him & he understands… thankfully. Lotsoluv Kerryn
I have had trouble posting for the last couple of days. Thank you for the good comments to this devotional. I know we all struggle with comments from others – it’s an ongoing issue!