Not too long ago I was working for a friend pulling out bushes that were very overgrown. I had a trailer hitched to the back of my van and I piled it up with the bushes and went to the dump to dispose of them. I came up to the entrance with my first load and she let me by with a wave. I came back with a second load and there was another woman there and very rudely told me that my trailer was longer than eight feet and that I had to pay $25.00 a load. I tried explaining that the previous person let me through and she just yelled back at me saying that they didn't know what they were doing and I better pay up now or leave. Needless to say I was really ticked off at first but then I decided to respond by saying, "You're right, I'll go ahead and pay." You should have seen the look on her face! She was astounded that I didn't yell back at her and to her surprise, and mine, she replied, "Hold on, let me talk to the supervisor." She said, "Hey, you can go through, no charge." In the end I was able to dump all eight loads for free.

If you think you are wronged, you have a choice. You can used words that will melt animosity or you can use words that add fuel to the fire of hostility and anger. How do you choose a conversation that will bring hope and peace rather than frustration and resentment?

Paul tells us in Philippians Chapter 2 "Has there ever been encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love, any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic? Then make me happy by working wholeheartedly one with the other, loving one another by working together with one heart and one purpose. Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression, Be humble and always think of others better than yourself.

My prayer for you today is that you will choose to build up and encourage one another for the sake of Christ.

Peace!