Being the "Bigger Person"

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good

Romans 12:21

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For those of you who are just getting to know me, if you haven't caught on already, I have been working REALLY hard on stripping myself of alot of issues and baggage that I was carrying around for a while. And I had alot. More than I even realized when I started this process. And what's funny is that more and more issues/baggage keeps popping up when I think I have everything under control. Which brings me to today's thought: Being the 'bigger person'.

Whoever came up with that cliche must have been sniffing glue because it is ALOT easier said than done sometimes. I could never understand how people like Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Jesus could take the ridicule, abuse and outright injustices that they endured and still preach a message of love. I mean, if anyone had the right to wipe out a nation with the snap of a finger it would have been Jesus. But instead he died for his enemies. He turned the other cheek. Speaking of cheeks, that the other cliche that I never understood. I figure, I only have 2 cheeks, so once you get me twice it's time for you to feel my wrath.

Thank God I've come such a far way because trust me, my rage could go from 0-150 in under a second. To me, being the 'bigger person' meant puffing up my chest and telling you about yourself, your mother, your grandmother and her neighbour. TThankfully, that Margo came to quick halt when I read the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:21-35) and Jesus said that it is our duty to forgive others "seventy times seven". Now, I'm not a mathmetician but I can do simple math so I know 70 times 7 equals 490. 490. If someone was to disrespect or act a fool towards me EVERYDAY for the next year and four months, I would have to forgive them... 490 days, 490 times. I would have to be the bigger person. (If you haven't read this parable, you have to because it will dead every and any arguement you have in respect to unforgiveness, revenge and bitterness.)

Needless to say, being the 'bigger person' has been my biggest, ongoing challenge in my walk to wholeness. So, I've come to the conclusion that God thinks He's funny. As I have MULTIPLE people around me trying my patience EVERYDAY and based on the Word, I'm expected to be the 'bigger person'. God is definitely a natural comedian. But I'm learning. God always has His way of doing things and if you take a step back for a second and take a look at your life you'll see that in all honesty God deals with people and situations better than you could in a million years. And if you don't know that yet... stop playing God and let Him do His work. If you're not going to be obedient to His instructions, atleast stop doing what you're doing because chances are if you're trying to take matters into your own hands, you've made it worse, dragged it out and exhausted all of your resources. And whatever you've been fighting still hasn't changed. Trust me, I know. Been there, done that and still do it sometimes. Let God be God.

I wanted to share this thought because I know I'm not the only one who struggles with this. Being the 'bigger person' is asked of us always - in marriage, at work, in relationships, at home - everyday in most situation. And being a 'bigger person' is CRITICAL in forgiveness, letting go and moving forward. I just have to say though... I'm sooooooo glad it wasn't me that had to go the cross because I know NONE of us would have been saved. Thank you Jesus.

Be Blessed in BEING THE BIGGER PERSON


Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink." - Romans 12:19-20a

"'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." - Leviticus 19:18