| Finding the Way |
Chapter 21 |
Page 5 |
Another motive for the avoidance of such displays is that they give pain to others. This is one of the infirmities which make friendship hard. One of the comforts of true friendship is that we do not need to be always on our guard lest we give offence. A generous, confiding nature should not be pained by any treatment. Perfect love loves unto the uttermost. It overlooks and forgives and never fails. One who is touch and ready to be hurt by the slightest allusion or by any seeming neglect makes entire freedom and confidence in friendship impossible.
Another help in getting rid of over sensitiveness is to remember that such a spirit is not Christian. It is in violation of the whole catalogue of qualities which are lovely. We cannot witness worthily for Christ unless we master it. We cannot conceive of our Master as being touchy and sensitive.
In trying to overcome this infirmity a good habit is to cultivate indifference to unpleasant things in others about us, to ignore their existence. When certain worthless fellows failed to show King Saul proper honour after his choice as king, we are told that “he held his peace.” The meaning is that he was deaf to their insults. This is a good way to bear ourselves toward all unkindness – to ignore it, to pay no attention to it, to act as if it had not happened. A deaf man said he had compensation for his deafness in the fact that there were so many silly and foolish things said which he did not have to hear. We shall save ourselves from much hurt feeling as if we will be as if we were deaf.
Page 5
<< Prior Page 1 2 3 4 5 Next Page >>