Did you know it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile? That is what I heard. Yet, it does seem easier to frown than to 'tip that frown upside down.' Why do you think that is? I think it is because we have worked those muscles more throughout our life until it is easier to be down and blue rather than uplifted and sunny. In my mind this means it takes more work to be negative towards the self and others but when that negativity is practiced on a daily basis it is also easier than being positive.
Jesus had something to say about this practice: “You have heard that it was said, You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who harass you so that you will be acting as children of your Father who is in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both the evil and the good and sends rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matt 5:43-45 CEB) It takes less work to love our enemy. It is an easier load to carry. Yet if we are not working the right and good muscles we are doomed to the negativity that comes with our bad choices. Our salvation will not come from the knife of vengeance. We will not find salvation by labeling who will or who will not go to hell. Jesus didn't do that. If anything, Jesus did the exact opposite. Jesus took the knife upon himself. Jesus took put the sin upon himself. In perfect love, he took everything. It is easier to hate those we don't understand or we have chosen to be 'less than worthy,' and we are willing to put in the work to do that. Instead, lets begin working the right muscles. When we start to feel that hate well up inside us, let's stop and find a way to love. It will not be easy at first. It will change your life. |
Categories
All
Archives
February 2023
|