““Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.””
Luke 6:37-38 MSG
http://bible.com/97/luk.6.37-38.msg
Do you know someone who is always angrily talking about politics or constantly criticizing the way things are done? Do you know people who would argue with a fence post? Are you that person or married to that person? If you are well aquainted with someone like this you know there is nothing happy about those conversations or rants when they get started.
We got cornered by a perfect stranger recently who went on for about thirty minutes about their soap box throwing out judgemental slurs toward certain organizations and generations. I noticed during this span of time that all in range of these flying opinions were uncomfortable and wishing the "sermon" would just end. Another note taken was the absence of joy in this person's tone and the many life accounts we heard about.
Note to self: People who pick on people, are critical and jump on others' faults are not happy people. Don't jump on this train with friends or family when they start going off about things. According to Luke 6, if we aren't easy on people, that same hardness will come back on us.
What kind of boomerang effect do you want out of life? One of hardness and criticism or one of joy and happiness. That verse above spoke of giving---that it is the way to live. Give mercy. Give a smile. Give undeserved love. When we make it all about getting and what we deserve we become critical and hard and not happy. So which sounds better to you? What do you want to boomerang in your life? Do that!
Happy Monday !!