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Matthew 28:20 “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”
Take a moment to think back on your childhood. How did your family of origin respond to difficult emotions such as fear, grief, sadness, anger, and others?
Many answer this question with responses such as: “I was always taught, ‘Don’t let other people see you hurting. Stuff those emotions and put on a good face.’” Or, “My family didn’t do grief, sadness, or anger. We just had to figure things out on our own.” Or, “Passive aggressive was the mantra of my family. It was always clear when somebody was feeling grief, sadness, or anger, but it was only expressed through passive aggressive behavior.”
What does this have to do with the Scripture verse quoted above? The answer is…everything. You see, Jesus taught a lot of things to His disciples. But they also caught a lot from Him. He modeled a life rooted not only in moral behavior, but in accepting and processing difficult emotions well. To be a disciple maker requires followers of Jesus to teach and model Jesus’ teachings and what He modeled through His actions.
READING & PRAYERS:
MATTHEW 21:12-13, 23:37-39, 26:36-44 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: How well do you pay attention to how Jesus responds to difficult emotions such as fear, grief, sadness, anger, and/or others? What would it look like for you to respond to difficult emotions as He did?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Are you overcommitting?Practice slowing down and living life at the pace of your soul by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice daily. The app is free, and is available on iPhone and Android devices.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess there are many times when I respond to difficult emotions in an unhealthy way; times when I have wrongfully believed that passive-aggressive behavior was some form of being a peacemaker. How foolish I have been! Thank You for sending Jesus to not only teach, but to model what it looks like to live in the tension of difficult emotions. Continue to help me grow and respond to these emotions in a godly way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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