/>Despite how insensitive comments may feel, Karen reminds us to look closely at the intention of hope or help that they were said.
“But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Psalm 86:15).
Through this chronic illness journey, I have learned a few things. One is to “cut people some slack.”
Our friends, family, and even well-meaning strangers, have many opportunities to hurt our feelings or cause frustration.
You know what I’m talking about–you can hear it now:
“You look wonderful! You must be over what you had.”
“Why aren’t you working anymore? I sure wish I didn’t have to work . . .”
“You can’t be doing all that bad, you’re here aren’t you?”
My advice is to cut people some slack. I know that our so-called “friends” can be insensitive at times and hurt our feelings, but most people mean no harm.
Who among us has not said something that did not come out the way we intended? If I only had a dollar for every time I’ve said something that I wish I could take back. I’d be rich.
Let’s follow God’s example of being slow to anger and abounding in love.
Most people are not intentionally trying to hurt you with their words. After all, could you have understood chronic illness before it was a part of your life?
When someone tells us we don’t “look sick” most people are really trying to compliment us. It’s just that it comes across as they don’t believe us.
Sometimes people don’t know what to say and they only have a few seconds to respond to you. I believe there are very few people that purposefully try to be thoughtless and hurt your feelings.
Take the famous advice to “let it go.”
Holding on to hurt only brings more hurt. Not to mention it has no effect on them if they don’t even realize they are hurting you.
I know it’s easier said than done. We all need to ask the Lord to help us.
Prayer: Help me not to get angry with people who hurt my feelings. Amen.
About the author:
Karen Weber has been struggling with health problems for over 20 years. She has a passion for helping others who deal with health challenges.
what hurtful things has someone said that sticks out in your mind? Have you “let it go” or are you holding on to that?
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 