Today, I am styling a basic outfit two different ways. My basic pieces are a black pair of jeans and a striped shirt. Striped shirts are everywhere this year. The first photos were taken outside, before the weather became so unbearably cold here. I think for the rest of the winter I will be taking photos inside.
The second way I styled this outfit was with a black ruffled cardigan and my leopard print flats. I’ve had this black cardigan forever and still love it, but I decided to invest in a new one which I will be wearing in upcoming posts.
Hope you are enjoying the holiday season this year. Below, I am talking about a free gift we can give each other each day all year.
The Greatest Christmas Gift
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:13-14
Recently, several people I know have had some past unresolved conflicts resurface. Problems that have caused rifts in relationships have come to light again after long silences and distance. We have all been in these situations. As long as people live on this earth, there will be arguments and hurt feelings. Each one of us is flawed. None of us will get along perfectly with everyone.
So what are we to do, whether we have been wronged or have wronged someone else?
Admit where we have failed, even if we were the ones offended. I know that is difficult to do. I am personally still learning to do this one. I just know that at some point (more like at a lot of points) in my life, I have offended someone else and hurt their feelings unintentionally and intentionally. If we are the ones who hurt someone else whether intentional or not, we should take ownership for it. We should apologize and do our best to make things right.
Forgive and let go of the resentment. Christ always forgives us, even though He did nothing wrong. Christ owes us nothing. Yet, freely and lovingly, He took the punishment for our wrong doing. He loves us with the greatest love we could ever receive, though we don’t deserve it. He asks us to extend forgiveness to others just as He forgives us.
Next, we are to clothe ourselves in love. Love is not a feeling or reaction – it is an action we make by choice. Pray for God’s blessings on the other person. We should try to treat them with kindness and respect, even if they are not acting that way towards us. While they may not offer forgiveness – quickly or even ever, let’s remember God offers us His forgiveness, if we truly repent of any wrong we’ve done. We can’t control others action, but we can control our actions and attitudes going forward.
Let’s draw on Christ’s strength and example to us. Let’s try to gain a better understanding and walk in the other person’s shoes. Listen to their perspective, even when we don’t always agree with them. Let’s give to one another the greatest gift that God gave to us when His Son was born on Christmas morning. Love and forgiveness are two priceless gifts we can give.