The Necessity for Realistic Expectations

It's exciting to go shopping for something new. After everything’s been signed, sealed and delivered, what may come as a surprise is buyer's remorse expressed in the form of sadness, anxiety, and worry. Happiness with events and purchases tends to wear off rather quickly as life returns to a normal, everyday pace.

If we expect a buying spree to close the gap in our relationships or within oneself, we’re soon disappointed that the emotional distance still exists. Not only disappointment, but anger or resentment may hang like a dark cloud overshadowing the happiness, joy, and peace we expected. So what is the solution?

Begin by realizing that inner peace and happiness can only be achieved by ridding oneself of all unrealistic expectations. Peace with others is achieved by accepting them as they are, including their limitations. Jesus asked you to forgive others so that you could enjoy the benefits of his forgiveness.  

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If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

~Romans 12:18 New International Version

 

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

~2 Corinthians 13:11 Christian Standard Bible 

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Christ's Peace at Christmas – Live It

 Wanting a happy, joyful Christmas season is a natural desire for most believers in Christ Jesus. Yet we live in a world of chaos and trouble that at times appears to be absent of peace and joy. This is even true within some families that are ravished by strife. However, reconciliation is possible when pride and power are sacrificed for peace that honors Christ Jesus.

Listen to the gift of peace offered to you as you put aside anger and strife. “You, O Lord, will keep in perfect peace those whose mind is fixed on you.” You can trust in Jesus to be present each minute of each day. Thank him for this precious gift. Merry Christmas and God bless you.  

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Try to get along and live peacefully with each other. Now I pray that God, who gives love and peace, will be with you.

~2 Corinthians 13:11 Contemporary English Version

 And let the peace of the Messiah, to which you were also called in one body, control your hearts.

~Colossians 3:15 Holman Christian Standard Bible

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This week on December 21-25, KHCB Radio will celebrate Christmas by providing alternate programming, the Five Days of Christmas, with only Christmas music and short devotionals. Accordingly, AttitudesAnswers will post a short Christmas blog post and podcast each day this week. Merry Christmas!

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

Broken Hearts Need Healing

Conflict seldom volunteers to go away on its own. Denial of conflict’s existence might ease the anxiety it creates, but denial isn’t an effective tool for successfully managing it. Denial is a defense for those who refuse to seek a resolution. An impasse is a cautious peace capable of erupting at the slightest provocation.

Paul and Barnabas, God's most dedicated missionaries became so embroiled in conflict, they parted ways. They could no longer work together. John Mark, the subject of their conflict, had deserted them and returned to his home. When he wanted to come back, Paul argued with Barnabas about this being advisable.

Their argument became so intense that Paul decided to go on alone. This example epitomizes how conflict builds a bridge to alienation and separation. Resolutions become possible when there are admissions of being mistaken. Paul came to this conclusion and asked John Mark to reunite with his ministry. What does this say to you? 

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Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is a good help to me in my work.

~2 Timothy 4:11 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

Make this your common practice: confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.

~James 5:16 The Message

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

~2 Corinthians 13:11 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Forgiveness Revisited

When C. S. Lewis lay dying, his final thoughts were on forgiveness. He was struggling to forgive a cruel and harsh elementary teacher from his childhood. He had forgiven this individual as a young man and again as a middle-aged adult and now felt compelled to complete the task before he breathed his final breath.

What is incredibly important to understand about C. S. Lewis’ experience is that forgiveness is being completed at various stages throughout life. C. S. Lewis could never forget the trauma he experienced from this teacher. He understood that the only way to let go of the bitterness was to forgive him for the pain he felt so deeply.

It's often at the crossroads of adult development where forgiveness needs to be revisited. God’s wisdom and compassion aid us in forgiving at a deeper level. As Lewis lay dying, he again offered forgiveness to the person responsible for his suffering. The Holy Spirit brings to our awareness what needs to be forgiven so we can have a clear conscience.  

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It is truly wonderful when the people of God live together in peace.

~Psalm 133:1 Contemporary English Version

When people sin, you should forgive and comfort them, so they won’t give up in despair. You should make them sure of your love for them.

~2 Corinthians 2:7-8 Contemporary English Version

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

~2 Corinthians 13:11 New International Version