Any Given Day: 2

Graciousness does not come easily to most of us during hard times. The ability to maintain composure in the midst of controversy and chaos requires perspective and self control. Treating others with kindness and respect when things aren't going well is a skill that few of us can master without some Divine assistance.

Using manners in the heat of an argument is almost impossible, but it is important that we try, particularly with people that we Love.

Love is an action verb, not an adjective or an abstract feeling. It is tangible. Acting in a hateful and hurtful manner creates more ugliness and never solves the problem. In fact, it creates more of a mess to clean up.

Today, as our ability to be gracious is tested, let us pray...

Dear God, may Your light show me the way to Grace today. I pray that I can hold my head up, smile, and be generous, kind, and loving to friends and foes alike. Thank you for sending Jesus to be our example of what it means to love unconditionally. Amen

Matthew 5:22