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Proverbs of a 38 yr old man
Grow a callus. Some thick skin over your prideful emotions and feelings. We are called to love the way Jesus loved us unconditionally. That only happens as we submit our hearts to Him and seek Gods will continually. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Yes, the Law of Christ is written on our hearts and we fulfill it as we love God and our neighbor. Your love must be able to take a hit and keep on holding on, growing a holy callus through patient endurance.
Living a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. So our Love needs a thick skin, so it can handle tough love as we give and receive it. Do not resist an evil person, one who insults you or violates your rights; but whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other toward him also, meaning simply ignore insignificant insults or trivial losses and do not bother to retaliate. Maintain your dignity, your self-respect, your poise. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what is yours, do not demand it back. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also for the Lord repays the offender. And whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. This is not about being a doormat for people to vent and take advantage, but about growing a holy callus through prayer and forgiveness. Do not say, "I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work." Do not say, "I will avenge this evil!" Wait on the LORD, and He will save you. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love unselfishly by seeking the best or higher good for your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. I see strong hands able to work in the field of souls and producing a harvest unto the LORD.
Study 1 John 4:11
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