Do you look for Jesus in those who offend you or slight you?

[ukok]

The fingerprints of God on our very being may not be detectable in the same way as our own fingerprints can be, but as Christians we believe that we are each made in the image and likeness of God, by God (this is not to be turned into a thread about anthropomorphism).

I think we sometimes forget (or choose not to remember)that we are called to be 'as Jesus' in the way we live our daily lives. When we become hardened to the sins we commit against the Lord and against others, it makes it difficult for us to 'see Jesus' in others, and for others to 'see Jesus' in ourselves.

'What would Jesus Do ?' is a phrase that we might consider to have become a rather gimmicky, cheesy, over-commercialised sales angle, but it doesn't make it less of a reality that before we act defensively, before we speak harshly, before we think unkindly or uncharitably of others, we need to take a step back and explore our motives for behaving in a way that contradicts what we say we believe in, and more importantly, Who we say we follow.

I feel this is especially important with regard to how we engage with one another online.

 

[isabella1]

The fingerprints of God on our very being may not be detectable in the same way as our own fingerprints can be, but as Christians we believe that we are each made in the image and likeness of God, by God (this is not to be turned into a thread about anthropomorphism).

I think we sometimes forget (or choose not to remember)that we are called to be 'as Jesus' in the way we live our daily lives. When we become hardened to the sins we commit against the Lord and against others, it makes it difficult for us to 'see Jesus' in others, and for others to 'see Jesus' in ourselves.

'What would Jesus Do ?' is a phrase that we might consider to have become a rather gimmicky, cheesy, over-commercialised sales angle, but it doesn't make it less of a reality that before we act defensively, before we speak harshly, before we think unkindly or uncharitably of others, we need to take a step back and explore our motives for behaving in a way that contradicts what we say we believe in, and more importantly, Who we say we follow.

I feel this is especially important with regard to how we engage with one another online.

You are so right. And I will add that usually when I see something in another that angers me, and I don't look for Jesus in them, is because they are a reflection of what I need to clean up or change in my life.

So really I think it can work two ways there, if you can't see Jesus in someone it is because one needs to change something within self, and when you do see Jesus in someone who offended you, then that is a spiritual accomplishment (growth).

 

[ukok]

You are so right. And I will add that usually when I see something in another that angers me, and I don't look for Jesus in them, is because they are a reflection of what I need to clean up or change in my life.

So really I think it can work two ways there, if you can't see Jesus in someone it is because one needs to change something within self, and when you do see Jesus in someone who offended you, then that is a spiritual accomplishment (growth).

That's a great observation, Isabella, and it certainly makes sense to me.
I am so glad you responded to the thread, in the past i considered myself to be something of a thread-killer was fully expecting no one to respond

 

[BAFRIEND]

I believe asking that WWJD can be a good thing, but also can be a trap.

I think it is better to ask WWJWUTD ? What would Jesus want us to do ?

Jesus is Lord and he whipped the money changers. The laws of man do not apply to God.

Pride is a dangerous thing.

 

[isabella1]

I believe asking that WWJD can be a good thing, but also can be a trap.

I think it is better to ask WWJWUTD ? What would Jesus want us to do ?

Jesus is Lord and he whipped the money changers. The laws of man do not apply to God.

Pride is a dangerous thing.

My Spiritual director often reminds me of just what you said BA, when I have a serious question or am upset and offended by something, to pray and ask for the Holy Spirits guidance and to say to Jesus, "Lord what is it you want me to do? How do you want me to handle this situation, and I invite you into this situation".

 

[BAFRIEND]

My Spiritual director often reminds me of just what you said BA, when I have a serious question or am upset and offended by something, to pray and ask for the Holy Spirits guidance and to say to Jesus, "Lord what is it you want me to do? How do you want me to handle this situation, and I invite you into this situation".

I was having a conversation back before my nephew became a man. This child, raised as a Pentacostal began tearing me apart because I went to a Church where we kneel. Apparently this was a focal point of belittlement the preacher of his church preached to the congregation from the pulpit.

I sent my nephew back to Moses. Moses removed his sandals and knelt before His God who appeared in the form of the Holy Spirit.

I asked my nephew if he had a problem kneeling before God ?

He admited he did not.

 

[isabella1]

I was having a conversation back before my nephew became a man. This child, raised as a Pentacostal began tearing me apart because I went to a Church where we kneel. Apparently this was a focal point of belittlement the preacher of his church preached to the congregation from the pulpit.

I sent my nephew back to Moses. Moses removed his sandals and knelt before His God who appeared in the form of the Holy Spirit.

I asked my nephew if he had a problem kneeling before God ?

He admited he did not.

Hay good reminder. I am going to adoration in a few here. I sometimes take off my shoes when I kneel in prayer before the Lord our God.

This comment you made is probably one of those Holy Spirit gentile reminders for me, so I remember the Holy presence I will be standing before, and to take my shoes off before him. Thanks.

 

[hopeblossom]

My mom always told me to look for the good in others so I have tried to do that at times, but sometimes it does seem hard. Especially when it seems somebody is being cruel. But when I am bothered by a person's behavior and feel hurt, it does help if I can see the good in them. It's easier for me to forgive them, instead of thinking they just did something out of spite.
And in a selfish way, it is better for me to forgive them and not think bad thoughts about them, because I feel better.
It sounds so much more beautiful to say that you see Jesus in them though.

 

[SolomonVII]

I believe asking that WWJD can be a good thing, but also can be a trap.

I think it is better to ask WWJWUTD ? What would Jesus want us to do ?

Jesus is Lord and he whipped the money changers. The laws of man do not apply to God.

Pride is a dangerous thing.

I have been thinking more or less the same thing lately. I don't think that Jesus was expecting us to be clones of his own biography.

Jesus is God. Let God be God andlet the rest of us just be satisfied with being ourselves. His life as Jesus was for a specific place and a specific time and a specific mission. We are our own selves with our own unique personalities, purposes, abilities and roles to play.
It is sufficient that we open ourselves completely to the Spirit of Christ and allow him to direct our lives. That does not mean that we are being asked to replicate his life story.

It is good to contemplate the life of Christ too, but sometimes the WWJD theme appears to be overplayed.

 

[Michie]

Hey Solomon! Good to see you.

 

[SolomonVII]

I was having a conversation back before my nephew became a man. This child, raised as a Pentacostal began tearing me apart because I went to a Church where we kneel. Apparently this was a focal point of belittlement the preacher of his church preached to the congregation from the pulpit.

I sent my nephew back to Moses. Moses removed his sandals and knelt before His God who appeared in the form of the Holy Spirit.

I asked my nephew if he had a problem kneeling before God ?

He admited he did not.

Then there is the case of Muslims talking about Jesus in the Garden on Holy Thursday prostrating him before the Lord. They go on to point out how they are following his example more in their mode of praying that Christians on their knees.

somehow, something is missing in their explanation when it is all about form and nothing about the context of literally seating blood in the hours before a crucifixion that they do not recognize.

With Muslims seeing Mohammed as the perfect example to follow and going as far as not using toothbrushes or changing laws to allow for child brides, we can both be thankful that Jesus was a better example, and that his gift ot us was the Paraclete to guide us through our own lives.

 

[ukok]

I really don't think Jesus wants us to ignore our own identity and become clones of himself, but really it's all words, whether we think it should be WWJD? or WWJEUTD? makes no difference. To me it means the same thing. If Jesus is alive within me, and I am dying to self and want to beome more like Jesus and less like myself....then I have to behave in a way that is befitting.

Put simply, it's about conscience. Being culpable. Full stop.

When we don't think about or don't care about the impact of our words and actions, then we stop dying to self. We are saying 'I want to be like me, and not like the Lord....I want to act like the old me, before i had the responsibility to live like a new creation'.

 

[gabrielListens]

Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek, pray for our enemies, and love our neighbors as we would love ourselves. He also says to NOT resist anyone who is evil (Matthew 5:39).

These tactics may seem like they were just designed to make us suffer but I think that these actions break down the hatred and evil in the heart of the offender. These actions are actually a way of softening the hearts of those who wish to harm you. Hate breeds hate, love breeds love, revenge breeds revenge and forgiveness breeds forgiveness.

We can chose to spread light or spread darkness in this world. Every time we hurt someone, whether it was in reaction to something they did to us or not, we are spreading darkness. That darkness grows inside people's hearts and is often transfered to others through acts of anger, hate or maliciousness. Jesus wants us to spread only light and not darkness by forgiving and not seeking revenge on those who hurt us.

I know it is often difficult, I struggle with it almost every day, but here are some things that have helped me a lot:

1) Know that God is your witness. God sees every detail of every offense and sees how it hurts your heart and he weeps with us for he feels our pain. Jesus knows what its like to be offended, tortured, hated, misunderstood, cast out, beaten, mocked (crown of thorns), and even killed! Itis said that God saves our tears in heaven and He will reward us for our sorrows. Remember that when you are offended, Jesus is right there with you. He sees everything that happens and knows how it affects you.

"I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!"
Matthew 25:40

2) Know that evil often causes others to hurt us. Have you ever lost control of your anger and did something that you regretted later? That is the power of darkness over one's heart. It doesn't have to be a lashing out. It could be someone who was rude to you, or someone who treated you with indifference (as if you were not there), or someone who victimizes you (verbal or physical attacks). It could be as simple as someone giving you the "evil eye", or someone accusing you of something you didn't do. In any case, remember that these people acted under the power of darkness. God still loves these people for He created them. They may be far from God today but many of us were far from God at one time also...so forgive them and show MERCY because God is merciful to them also (patient and merciful).

3) Remember that "Anger is a mask for pain." - Dr. Phil McGraw. There is always an underlying reason why a person is full of anger, hatred, arrogance, or a control-freak. We should be careful not to judge others. That is God's job. We instead should try to accept these people as our "defective" brothers who have a lot of buried pain inside their hearts making them grow cold towards others, or maybe they never experienced love at all. God does not despise people for who they are, but for the things that they do.

Behold, God is mighty but does not despise any; He is mighty in strength of understanding.
Job 36:5

My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things right in God's sight.
James 1:19-20

 

[D'Ann]

This is a wonderful thread.

 

[hopeblossom]

GabrielListens, your post was so wise and so moving, I had to print it out to post it on my refrigerator. I need to keep this in mind for myself and it will be good for the rest of my family to read it. Just think how much more peaceful our world would be, if we didn't take things personally and could be more forgiving and understanding! Thank you for the wonderful post.

 

[ukok]

Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek, pray for our enemies, and love our neighbors as we would love ourselves. He also says to NOT resist anyone who is evil (Matthew 5:39).

These tactics may seem like they were just designed to make us suffer but I think that these actions break down the hatred and evil in the heart of the offender. These actions are actually a way of softening the hearts of those who wish to harm you. Hate breeds hate, love breeds love, revenge breeds revenge and forgiveness breeds forgiveness.

We can chose to spread light or spread darkness in this world. Every time we hurt someone, whether it was in reaction to something they did to us or not, we are spreading darkness. That darkness grows inside people's hearts and is often transfered to others through acts of anger, hate or maliciousness. Jesus wants us to spread only light and not darkness by forgiving and not seeking revenge on those who hurt us.

I know it is often difficult, I struggle with it almost every day, but here are some things that have helped me a lot:

1) Know that God is your witness. God sees every detail of every offense and sees how it hurts your heart and he weeps with us for he feels our pain. Jesus knows what its like to be offended, tortured, hated, misunderstood, cast out, beaten, mocked (crown of thorns), and even killed! Itis said that God saves our tears in heaven and He will reward us for our sorrows. Remember that when you are offended, Jesus is right there with you. He sees everything that happens and knows how it affects you.

"I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!"
Matthew 25:40

2) Know that evil often causes others to hurt us. Have you ever lost control of your anger and did something that you regretted later? That is the power of darkness over one's heart. It doesn't have to be a lashing out. It could be someone who was rude to you, or someone who treated you with indifference (as if you were not there), or someone who victimizes you (verbal or physical attacks). It could be as simple as someone giving you the "evil eye", or someone accusing you of something you didn't do. In any case, remember that these people acted under the power of darkness. God still loves these people for He created them. They may be far from God today but many of us were far from God at one time also...so forgive them and show MERCY because God is merciful to them also (patient and merciful).

3) Remember that "Anger is a mask for pain." - Dr. Phil McGraw. There is always an underlying reason why a person is full of anger, hatred, arrogance, or a control-freak. We should be careful not to judge others. That is God's job. We instead should try to accept these people as our "defective" brothers who have a lot of buried pain inside their hearts making them grow cold towards others, or maybe they never experienced love at all. God does not despise people for who they are, but for the things that they do.

Behold, God is mighty but does not despise any; He is mighty in strength of understanding.
Job 36:5

My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things right in God's sight.
James 1:19-20

Thank you so much for your contribution to this thread. Your words express your insight on this and i am so glad i began this thread if for nothing more than to read what you shared with us here .

God Bless you!

 

[ToxicReboMan]

Good stuff ukok and gabrielListens!

 

[ukok]

It is good to contemplate the life of Christ too, but sometimes the WWJD theme appears to be overplayed.

I agree, and FWIW that was never what this thread had as its primary focus. Thanks for your input!

 

[SolomonVII]

I agree, and FWIW that was never what this thread had as its primary focus. Thanks for your input!

Lol, I know. sorry for the derailment. It was just something that caught intrigued m when I came across that post.

I think though, that from a different perspective, you might be able to see my post as a counterpoise, and a sort of 'on the other hand..' sort of idea.

There is a truth is noting the kindness, the passivity of Jesus in the face of evil, the humility, the non-confrontational aspects of his nature, his non-resistance to agression, his willingness to giveeven his coat to any thief who would rob him of his cloak.

Like all humans though, there was a complexity and and a multi-dimensionality to Jesus' nature that is worth bearing im mind. Once he fulfills the scripture of being mute in the face of those who accuse him , he goes on to speak. His parables against the pharisees are as ascerbic and cutting and confrontational as any words ever spoken.

some of the post here are very good, even great in bringing out the dominant aspects of Jesus' personality. On the other hand, the more cogent and airtight the argument for developing the placid and passive in Jesus' nature, the more we are in danger of creating Jesus into a one-dimensional stereotype, an actual caricature of who he really was.

So to rephrase the OP question, and turn it on its head, are we able to see Jesus in ourselves, as Christian even, when we are ourselves offensive, and angry, and confrontational? Are we capable of being multidimensional and even contradictory, and yet still be like Christ, animated by the very Spirit of Christ?

 

[ukok]

Lol, I know. sorry for the derailment. It was just something that caught intrigued m when I came across that post.

I think though, that from a different perspective, you might be able to see my post as a counterpoise, and a sort of 'on the other hand..' sort of idea.

There is a truth is noting the kindness, the passivity of Jesus in the face of evil, the humility, the non-confrontational aspects of his nature, his non-resistance to agression, his willingness to giveeven his coat to any thief who would rob him of his cloak.

Like all humans though, there was a complexity and and a multi-dimensionality to Jesus' nature that is worth bearing im mind. Once he fulfills the scripture of being mute in the face of those who accuse him , he goes on to speak. His parables against the pharisees are as ascerbic and cutting and confrontational as any words ever spoken.

some of the post here are very good, even great in bringing out the dominant aspects of Jesus' personality. On the other hand, the more cogent and airtight the argument for developing the placid and passive in Jesus' nature, the more we are in danger of creating Jesus into a one-dimensional stereotype, an actual caricature of who he really was.

So to rephrase the OP question, and turn it on its head, are we able to see Jesus in ourselves, as Christian even, when we are ourselves offensive, and angry, and confrontational? Are we capable of being multidimensional and even contradictory, and yet still be like Christ, animated by the very Spirit of Christ?

Oh absolutely, you made some very insightful observations and i really appreciate your input.

Got to go and make tea now, would like to respond further to this post later though