People can be so sweet. But sometimes in masses, they are a lot to handle. Just too much. Too many questions. Too much interest. Too much advice. Too many words. Too many needs. Too many opinions. Too much.
The way I respond to other people is more about what’s going on in me than in them. My outward expression can be a warning sign into a deeper unhealthy issue that I need to investigate. When I make a snarky or irritated comment, it’s like a blinking red light to something that I need to invite God into: Father, why did I respond like that? Search my heart and know me. Show me if there is any offensive way in me. Lead me in your way. I need you.
Often, here’s what I realize:
1. I don’t have to fix it all, answer it all, receive it all, or respond to it all. It’s not doable or healthy.
2. I only need to deal with what I need to deal with. I don’t own someone else’s worry. I don’t take someone’s very vocal opinion as my mission if it doesn’t need to be.
3. I can stop obsessing about all the conversations I’ve had. Move in the strength of the Lord and let it be. Trust him to give me words to say and the spirit in which to say them.
4. Loving other people is beyond me. People can be exhausting. I am not supposed to love people on my own. So, I ask God for eyes to see people as he sees them:
God, help me today. Open my eyes to see people as you see them. And from that move me to love them like you do. Give me patience, humility, perspective, and wisdom. Fill me with your abundant love and may it overflow onto everyone that crosses my path.
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had. Romans 15:5
Written by: Amy Petersen