feeling bad

I was watching a show the other day and a 12 year old boy was being a bully.  It was ugly.  He was angry and ugly and he hurt other kids.  Finally an adult reached into his life and asked him why he was doing this.  Why was he bullying other kids.

The boy said, "I feel bad all the time and I want them to feel bad too."

This attitude may explain a good deal of misbehavior.  It may explain some of the school shootings.  It may explain some of the nasty, bitter, mean attitudes that we witness in life.  Some folks just want you to be as miserable as they are.

There is another way.  THERE IS ANOTHER WAY.  There is a better way.

Jesus, in pain on the cross, said, "Father forgive them."  Jesus looked past his own pain and offered grace to others.  He even offered grace to those who were crucifying him.  Do we choose to hurt back in this life?  Do we choose to pass along the pain to others or do we choose to absorb the paid and offer grace instead.

To hurt others only hurts us.  It resolves nothing.  The cycles of fear, hatred and revenge only continue.  However, when we choose to move past our pain, when we don't allow it center stage, then something good can rise to the surface.  Grace can pour out of us instead of anger.  This my friends, is a beautiful thing in deed. To find yourself in a situation where nasty behavior is possible, but to instead deliver grace, this is a holy thing indeed.

Do you feel bad and hurt others or do you feel bad and choose to bless others?

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs