.....holding

"Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31

“Cash, check or charge?" the cashier asked, after folding the items a woman wished to purchase.

As the customer fumbled for her wallet, the cashier noticed a remote control for a television set in her purse. "So, do you always carry your TV remote?" he asked.

"No," she replied, "but my husband refused to come shopping with me, and I figured this was the worst thing I could do to him legally."

This story gives us a good laugh, but it also makes us think — how often do we hold on to things just to make a point? The woman in this story responded to her frustration by finding a way to make sure her husband “felt” the consequences.

In our relationships, it’s easy to hold on to grudges, annoyances, or the need to prove a point. Maybe someone hurt our feelings, didn’t meet our expectations, or just frustrated us. Instead of letting it go, we hold on to something — an argument, a cold shoulder, or a sarcastic comment —just to “make them pay.” But in the end, does it really help?

Jesus calls us to something better. In Luke 6:31, he reminds us to treat others as we would like to be treated. That means letting go of petty grievances and choosing kindness, even when we’re frustrated. Carrying around past offenses is like carrying a TV remote in our purse — it might give us a sense of control, but it doesn’t actually fix anything. Is there something you need to let go of today? Instead of holding on to the frustration, try holding on to grace.

- alan smith

Lord, give me patience in my relationships and a heart that responds with love instead of frustration. Teach me to treat others the way I want to be treated, showing grace just as you have shown grace to me. In Jesus’ name, amen.