How are we responding to what we are receiving from God this week?

This question has been tough for me this week because it’s shined some light on some of my behavior I’m not happy with.  It’s made me realize that often instead of responding to what I’m receiving from GOD, I respond to what I’m receiving (or not receiving) from others, from my circumstances, or even myself.  And those others and I are human, imperfect, and at times unpredictable.  For me, it’s much easier to express things like compassion, love, mercy, and forgiveness when I REALLY feel like I’m receiving them.  And even then I tend to give those things only to those I’m receiving them from.  The real challenge comes during the tough times when I feel like I’m not receiving those things at all, or when I’m responding to people who I believe are giving me the opposite.

Matthew 5:43-48 says, "You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."

So, I’m still trying to “grow up”.  I’ve been challenging myself to respond to life on life’s terms in a way that reflects those things I know I’m constantly receiving from GOD, whether I really feel like it or not.  Most of the time this requires me to do the exact opposite of what my instincts tell me.  But this week, since reflecting on this question on a deeper level, I think I’ve made some progress.

- Trish