Rejoice And Be Glad!

Rejoice and Be Glad!

Have you ever stood up for a person, an action, a comment, or a feeling that was right and just, however, the rest of your family, friends, co-workers or corporate entity believed and argued otherwise? Have you ever tasted that victory that comes when your point was proved right by no doings of your own? The sweet taste of triumph in your mouth and that elated feeling that takes over your whole body is worth more than any “I told you so”, because the TRUTH was larger than mere words could underscore.

It is such an incredible feeling to be on the side of “right”, rather than on the moral-less side of majority. The real cause for celebration is when victory even causes cheers among those who were skeptical. Even better when those who fought the cause in the first place have changed their tune and are now on board with the just and honorable united front.

One should not look to bask in righteousness to prove wrongful acts of others to gain a superior position; but rather, standing up for righteousness because it is truly “the right thing to do”.
Much gratification can come from the compassion and support you afford another person or a group of people who are being cheated by people or a system. Your outreach and love can touch a lonely person or people shunned by society. Your mere presence may even offer light and hope where there is darkness or despair among many.

Granted everything we lend our name to or put our reputation on the line for is not necessarily done on such a grand scale. It is important to note that even the smallest of accomplishments can make an enormous difference and impact in the life of one or perhaps scores of people.

One does not have to move out of the norm of their life to encounter ordinary experiences that can be turned into extraordinary ones for the sake of another person. Too boot, when you use your God given talents, your gifts, the missions you seek can seem easy and effortless.

A little time, energy, and effort can go a long way. A hug or words of comfort are wonderful responses when you see someone crying, even a stranger. A helping hand can be a blessing when someone looks to be overwhelmed or too proud to ask for assistance.

It takes kindness, empathy and consideration along with practice to become a person who recognizes the needs of other. Taking positive bold steps to do something that would ease the struggle of another human being would make your virtuous thoughts and upright desires a reality. The list of simple things can go on and on and many are easily within our comfort zone.
However, today you have an opportunity to rise above from what is safe. Rather, it is a challenge to make active your bolder self. And in so doing, give the best of you and you will receive excellence back.

The first thought to overcome is to not concern yourself for what people may say about what you do. A simple thing like, taking a few minutes to sit and have a conversation with the man who sits in front of the market, in his shabby dirty clothes, alongside a market basket that holds his belongings could make a world of difference to him. All homeless people are not crazy. Give money, food, and clothing to the beggar even though he does not look poor. To not judge the person on his looks would be your biggest personal obstacle to rise above. Although someone may look well put together on the outside, it does not mean we know their life story and circumstances that caused them to stand on the street corner begging for a dollar. Speaking up to others about not gossiping is another example of boldness for the sake of right and just. It may not make you the most popular individual in the group, however, Jesus made a good point of the fact that if we judge and condemn we will ourselves be judged and condemned.

You may have heard the expressions, “what goes around comes around” and “you can dish it out but you sure can’t take it.” Why be on the bad receiving side of anything? God intended for your life to be good. Show him you understand goodness, and give without expecting anything in return. That’s what he does for you! Do you want to do something really moral and just, read on it even gets better!

Do something nice for someone who dislikes you! That’s it, simple. Help them out with something at work. Bring them lunch just because. Do anything that will show that you look past their ill feelings toward you and that you genuinely want a relationship that is free of hate, malice or rudeness. Give what you would expect back. Leave them room to come around. Love your enemies.

Oh, here’s a really good one. Bless those who curse you! Let’s your actions say to other’s its okay if he or she despises me, I don’t feel the same way. I care about this person and I hope that things will change. I want the best for him or her. Yes really! Bless them, genuinely.

Pray for those who abuse you. God is kind to the those who show no gratitude and do dreadful things. Forgive them as God would. Your recompense will be great.

The bolder your move toward decency, honesty, morality, and justice the more your blessings. You will be rewarded now and in the everlasting life to come. With God on your side who can be against you!

Rejoice and leap for joy on that day when you are caught doing something good and are ridiculed for it! Successful people, many times are lonely people. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Be an example to others so that they may aspire, even if it is privately, to be like you.



Inspired by:

Luke 6:22-23

Blessed are you when people hate you,
And when they exclude and insult you,
And denounce your name as evil
On account of the Son of Man.
Rejoice and leap for joy on that day!
Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.