Going to church on Sundays has always been like a great reset button for my weeks. I think I know the scriptures from beginning to end, and I've had many years and situations to put everything into practice... But there are times when I don't like the way I react to things, even when I'm trying to apply what I've learned through my faith, and I start to wonder if I'm truly good, bad, foolish, or clever; for example, "if someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to them the other also"... And yes, I've been that person for over 30 years, and all I've accomplished is having two bruised cheeks.
Many years ago, I understood that forgiveness isn't a gift we give to those who offend us, but a way to free ourselves from a great burden; but let's talk about the abusers... Those people who offend you, and we do nothing about it, using the excuse of loving one another and that life forces them to be a part of our daily lives. It's as if evil wins, as if we're showing them that no matter what they do to us, there will be no consequences. I know this isn't the case for everyone, but there are more extreme situations, and I'm sure you also have some jerk like this in your lives.
The worst part is that we can remove those people from our lives, even if they're our neighbors or work at the same company, and the worst part is that it doesn't have to be done aggressively; you can do it in the most elegant way, even if it's not what your soul wants at that moment. But imagine if we gave in to our primitive impulses when dealing with idiots! 😅 Respecting others and not interfering in their lives is very easy, as is following the rules of society, or at least that's how I see it. Rebellious people think they're so special, but they're the ones who damage their surroundings, because I'm rebellious too, but I know and understand the limits.
I'm one of those who believes there's a life of holiness after death, and at the same time, I'm not blinded by faith; I also think it could all be a lie and that we simply die and that's it. What I do know is that people get tired of putting up with things. In the name of faith, I've endured many things, I accumulate and accumulate, and the same result always follows: I explode. It's been a while since I've done it dramatically; at the beginning of this year, I told myself I didn't want to be that explosive person anymore, and I've done very well. Now I use boundaries as tools to avoid reaching the boiling point, but it's always harder with the people closest to me. I'm writing this reflection for myself, to help me think things through, release stress, and have a sublime Sunday... Happy start of the week! ✌️
