The following quote made me stop and think:

“May the gospel keep me humble and patient…. I don’t want to waste one 

more self-absorbed moment rehearsing things that hurt me and relishing 

personal revenge.”


I am brought up short, as the saying goes, by the content of the above quote. I am sad to admit that I waste too much time on the wrong things. I may not think I relish personal revenge, but then I realize that at times I look forward to the day God deals with those who have wronged me. I’m ashamed by that. 

But God shows me how to handle myself when I’m wronged, and what His role is in those situations: 

1 Peter 3:16: “keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 

I want to be like Jesus. I want to deal with those who wrong me in a humble manner, and be able to say what He said in Luke 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” 

Jesus was never self-absorbed. Jesus was always humble.

I don’t want to rehearse anything negative that comes my way. I want to be a grateful and appreciative follower of Jesus Christ.

I want to “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18, as Paul encouraged the Thessalonians.

Thanking God moves my mind from self-absorption to humility. I need to do this far more often each day.

No matter what the situation, I can always thank God for saving me, and giving me the hope of eternity with Him! That’s a fact for every true follower of Christ.

Philippians 4:11 provides me with further insight into myself: “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” When I am off rehearsing hurts or looking for God to make me look good, I realize those feelings come from discontentment. How can I be discontented with anything when I have the greatest gift – eternal life??? Shame on me!

How should I deal with those thoughts, those feelings? I need to immediately take them to Jesus so He can correct my thinking, so that I will honor Him.

I imagine it is like a child, wanting to make her parent proud. I want my heavenly Father to shine, because, with His Spirit’s help, I am more prone to focus on what is commanded in Philippians 4:8: “Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].” Amplified Version

God’s commands are good. 

God’s commands are for my edification.

God’s commands are for my protection.

God’s commands relieve stress, and bring peace and calmness when obeyed.

God’s word provides everything I need for life – now and for all eternity!

How about joining me in taking up the challenge in the statement I opened with: 

“May the gospel keep me humble and patient…. I don’t want to waste one 

more self-absorbed moment rehearsing things that hurt me and relishing 

personal revenge.”


I look forward to God working more of Jesus’ character into me, therefore, my being able to love others as God loves me.

Do you have a personal love relationship with Jesus? If you do not, it would be my pleasure to speak with you about the difference Christ has made in me. If you are already in a love relationship with Jesus, I’d be excited to talk with you about your experiences with Him.

Please contact me at:  ButGodCares@gmail.com if you want to talk.

Living for Jesus, Donna

P.S. If this has helped you, please feel free to share it with others!

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Copyright 2024 Donna Shappy   All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.