2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
romans 12:2
A few weekends ago I was having brunch with one of my good friends and we were talking about my birthday. In the middle of my conversation I said “I am petty.” I was referring to being “petty” about one of my other friends not saying “happy birthday” to me on my birthday… okay I know…. really dumb and immature, but I think it’s important to be real with the things we struggle with even the petty ones. For those of you who don’t know, being “petty” is pretty much slang for getting angry over little or meaningless things, or making someone else mad over something that feels small and meaningless. And yes, I was being petty. When I was talking to my friend we both started laughing that I was being so open and honest about being “petty.” Later on I went home and then I had this heavy feeling in my chest. I started to think about how this friend who I was holding a grudge on was actually a pretty good friend to me in the past. I thought about how maybe she just doesn’t see birthdays the same way, and maybe she just forgot but it didn’t mean that she didn’t care about me. Then I thought about how could I call myself a Christian yet be proud of “being petty” what would Jesus think? What would Jesus do? Well when I think about Jesus’ personality I think about God who is firm, righteous, yet graceful and loving. All the mistakes that I’ve ever made, God has forgiven me for. How can I truly represent (wear a “God is dope” t-shirt) Jesus well if I’m okay with being “petty”? No I shouldn’t be okay with it. If I truly want to represent God well then I should try my best to give grace to that friend who forgot my birthday. Have those boundaries with people, and have respect for myself yes, but still show grace to other people. Is it hard? Yes it is. I guess I’ll speak for myself but I don’t know why God made it easier for me to be “petty” than to show grace and forgiveness to others. Maybe he just wanted to challenge us so that when we do show grace and forgiveness it would actually be genuine? Or maybe he wanted to grow us in our character? Or maybe we just live in a fallen world? Regardless of the reason when I think about who I want to be.. well let’s just say I don’t see Jesus as being petty over something like his friend forgetting his birthday… I believe God wants us to live a life practicing forgiveness like He does to us everyday. So today think about how you’re possibly being “petty” and show some grace, forgiveness, and love to those people. If you can’t do it in person, maybe just in your thoughts?
Bottom line, lets renew our minds with God’s word, and let’s not be okay with being petty.
Have a blessed week ahead of you.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life 