SEPTEMBER  23

YOU GIVE WHAT YOU HAVE

2 SAMUEL 12:1-6


“And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die:” (2 Sam 12:5)

Have you ever noticed that the guilty are the most vocal opponents of the very things they’re doing? As Shakespeare said, “Me thinks thou protest too loudly.” The hatred we have for our own sin manifests itself in our treatment of others.

There have been many times that I’ve told a woman battered by her husband that this treatment wasn’t personal. He can only give what he has. And since he’s miserable inside, that’s why he mistreats his wife. This has caused wives to look at the situation differently and actually have compassion instead of judgment toward their mates. That key often unlocks the door to the other’s heart and starts the healing process.

Are you short-tempered with others? Do you constantly find fault with everything? It’s possible that this problem really isn’t with others, but with you. Are you upset with yourself? Are you never satisfied with your own performance? Have you not found true forgiveness in the grace of God?

We can’t control what others around us do, but we can control ourselves. As we appropriate the love of God that’s available to us personally, we’ll be able to extend that love to others. If we are void of God’s love, it’ll show in our treatment of others. Don’t make that mistake. Receive God’s love and forgiveness today! (AW)