Stop What? Start What?

40 Days of Purpose:

Day 4 Question

What is the one thing I need to stop doing today?

What is the one thing I need to start doing today?

I need to stop defending myself and making excuses. This is a habit I started in childhood, and I have continued to practice it in my adulthood. Today I determine not to defend myself and stop making excuses and blaming others for my choices; instead to admit my fault, my guilt, that I only am to blame, and confess it as the sin it is.

I need to start listening, really listening to what my cherished ones are telling me, to listen between the lines to the emotions, pains and wounds that they are suffering, and find my own responsibility in causing the hurts they feel. Only then will I be able to see how God will be able to heal their hearts and minds and emotions, maybe even through me.

O my Father, open my ears and heart to really hear what is on the hearts of those speaking to me, especially those who are dearest to me. Teach me to love them the way You have loved me, and to be a help to them as You heal them.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!