Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ: Philippians 3:5
Have you ever been disrespected? How did you feel? Were you angry? Upset? Offended? Think about all of the emotions that you felt during that time and your reaction
If you allowed anger to get the best of you, you probably resent that person. In other words, there is bitterness. If you allowed your emotions to get the best of you, there is probably confusion as to how you feel and what you should do. In other words, there is double-mindedness. If you allowed offense to get the best of you, there are probably negative thoughts toward this person. In other words, there is judgment. Bitterness, confusion, double-mindedness, offense, and ungodly judgment, are not reflections of Christ.
So what do you do when someone in your life disrespects you? We have to remember who we are. The Bible says that when he created us He created us in His image, so it’s imperative that we remember this in times like this. Why? When someone disrespects us, we usually get in defense mode, because the best offense is a good defense. We feel as if that person doesn’t acknowledge who we are, in other words it feels like an attack on our identity. We must remember and understand that a situation should not define us, but our response to that situation will reveal our heart and thus the identity we have accepted.
The Bible says out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. It also says to submit our thoughts captive to the Word of God. As you reflect on what is said in times where people aren’t acknowledging our identity, think about the reactions of your heart. If your heart is not captive to that of Christ, then take time to submit to God today in this area. It’s not about who is right or wrong, but it’s about giving God glory. It’s not about not having emotions, but it’s what we do with those emotions that count. Have you ever seen someone upset, but their attitude didn’t reflect it? For example, have you ever encountered something that upset you, but you held your composure?
Often times, we think that our attitude has to reflect our feelings, but this isn’t true. See God said, be angry, BUT sin not. This means that it’s ok to feel, but we have to be sure to submit our feelings and frustrations to God. This means submit our emotions, be real with God about how you feel. Be mindful not to seek ungodly counsel in this time, but delight in the law of the Lord. Meditate on the Word of God day and night that our walk will be of God so that when things occur our heart will overflow with the love of God. The blessings to this are that when we go to God, He can actually heal us in our emotions and cover us when under attack. The blessing on top of blessings is that the person who offended may be saved by your love filled response to their actions. The blessing on top of blessings, on top of blessings, is that God will not only be pleased with us, but He can actually use us in a mighty way through our humility.
Lord, forgive me for not forgiving those who have offended me. I ask Lord that I find encouragement in being united with you. Help me to look not only on my own interests but that of others for your glory. I submit my heart to you and every blemish that I’ve taken on from any past experiences. I receive the love of Christ that it may overflow with abundance at all times. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.