Everyone could hear the shouting that day. The far corner, right side of the cafeteria. Being a cheer leader helps with volume, that much was clear. The young brunette yelled for everyone to hear " I don't care what any of you think!" then left quickly.
If you followed her, you would have found her in a classroom crying.
Earlier that same day this same crying young woman could have been heard carelessly talking about someone else. She knew even as she was speaking, she was stretching things a little and just maybe saying more then she should. It felt good though, so she kept going. Her words caught up to her later in the cafe. That is what the drama at the beginning was all about.
The instruction Christ give in Matthew 29:39 "Love your neighbor as yourself", comes into play here.
Loving yourself, it is not all about getting your hair done or having a manicure. It is also about loving yourself enough to care about the state of your own heart.
When we allow pride to live in our hearts and take up residence there, trouble will soon follow. The same is true of bitterness - which is simply unforgiveness which is left to brew.
Love yourself enough to take a personal inventory. Ask yourself the really hard questions- ask God to help you. He knows you even better then you know yourself.
1. Am I mad at anyone right now?
2. Do I need to forgive anyone? ( forgiveness is not just to the benefit of the one who wronged you, but it is for you as well. By not forgiving, it is like dragging that person around on your back. That gets heavy)
3. Am I disappointed with someone or something? Is it weighing me down? Can I let go and let God take it?
4.Am I feeling boastful in my heart at all? Do I think I am better then other people?
5. Am I looking out for me more than anyone else? Are my conversations all about my favorite topic- "Me"?
It is pretty popular to do all these Liver Cleanse and you name it "Cleanse". What about a heart and mind cleanse?
Love yourself enough to take stock of your own heart.
Love yourself enough to care what other people think.
Love yourself enough to know when you are crossing a line and you will live with the consequences of those actions or words.
You may be reading this and think, no its too late for me. I have blown it too badly. Every day is a new day. New people to meet and new opportunities to make things right. It starts though with being honest with yourself.
Loving other people well is born out of person who loves themselves well.