![]() Pretty hard to break a habit after twenty years. Now, mind you, I've been doing both these gross things since I was like, literally six years old probably. This year, I have been working on kicking two of my most terrible/gross habits: 1) chewing ice (like I am in Antarctica and thirsting for my life) and 2) biting my nails/around my nails out of stress, anxiety, boredom, habit, whatever. I am a very habit-driven type of person (whether that be for the good or the bad) and always have been. Have you ever considered the power of a habit? May the Lord bless us all with reflective, humble, loving hearts each day, and spirits that show perfect courtesy towards others, especially when they deserve it least. So, how can we live Titus 3:2 in our daily lives? How can we learn to focus on this perfect courtesy, this amazing self-control, this unthinkable bridling of our tongues? For me, it begins with reading, writing, and reflecting.all before I open my mouth. I try to be more like Jesus and less like Emily. But then, in those moments, I try to reflect. Because some people are just so mean it will just about make me cry or blow my top from anger. Because let me tell you, my natural reflex is not to speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, and show that perfect (perfect!) courtesy toward all people. That tugging saying, Do what is right, not what is reflexive. It's also that little reminder inside me to be like the Lord. I reflect before I speak. This one takes me back so often to Titus 3:2 and other Scriptures. I write for the things I need so much, because without God and His loving principles guiding me, I am not who I should be.ģ. I write my prayers to God and pray for strength and humility and the desire to be like Him. ![]() So after I fill my mind with things that help me to be who I should, I write. Is this any real surprise? Everything I do is writing related and my heart comes out through my fingers much more often than it does my mouth. I write before I speak. Most people don't write their prayers, they say them aloud or in their mind, but I write mine. And Jesus knew a lot more about being mistreated than I ever will, that's for sure.Ģ. I read how I am not to complain, how I am to be a light, how I am to practice self-control, how I am to be like Jesus. ![]() But it means, every morning, before I am faced with the world's not so friendly, I read the Word of God. What does that mean? To me, it means a few things:ġ. I do my best not to react, but instead to purpose. On a daily basis, I deal with people who are just flat out rude, without reason, just because, no matter how nice I may be or how sweetly I may speak. Quick to want to backbite, or "show up" someone who has wronged me or said something hateful, especially those who do it without reason or provocation. I love this verse, because it reminds me to not react. Sometimes (and I hate to admit this) I am quick to get very angry. "To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people." (Titus 3:2 ESV) Why? Because I need it, pretty much every day. ![]()
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