For all the people we know we’ve
hurt — the ones no longer fraternising with us, and we know why; those refusing
to forgive — there are perhaps as many who we don’t know we’ve offended. This is especially true over social networking
sites. The invisibly hurt have left our
stead for some reason.
Is this to cause any lasting
concern to us? Perhaps it should to a
point.
The only points worthy of our
ongoing attention are: 1) Why the hurt? ~and~ 2) Is there anything we can do to
change it now or for the future in the light of prospective acquaintances and
liaisons?
Self-condemnation is Nonsensical
There is no good in feeling
condemned about it having hurt others.
Stewing rotten fruit is senseless and a waste of time. It is best just disposed of, but never
disparagingly so. All that can be done,
if it can be managed, is forgiveness sought.
It is good to be aware that the
invisibly hurt might be veiled by those who come into our lives but for a season,
and vice versa. It’s true.
Not everyone who is no longer friends
with us is hurt by us — they (or we) just went a different way, that’s all.
All we should be interested in — for
the future’s benefit — is locating traces of personal falsehood to prevent
possible harm from occurring to current and future relationships, as well as
dealing in forgiveness for those past ones that are reconcilable.
Keeping Close in Mind the Hurts of
Others
Knowing that other people in our
midst have been hurt, or are hurting, is enough to help us have empathy towards
them. This facilitates humility, for
we’re placing them over our hearts and not simply in competition for our met or
unmet needs.
Having the heart’s eye open for
existing and potential hurts of others feeds the wisdom of heavenly vision.
It’s seeing one aspect of life
through the God-scope; as God sees, for our Lord sees much more than we readily
do.
Then, and only then, might we
begin to see the invisible hurts as they surround or take place. Then we’re a channel for listening and encouragement,
as well as being a gentle word of insight where the opportunity allows.
Knowing how easily we get hurt
helps us bear in mind how easily others will become hurt, also. When we are in
touch with our emotions, we more readily care about others’ emotions. Via
empathy love is known.
© 2012 S. J. Wickham.
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