O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.
In the best-selling book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Steven Covey takes a page out of St. Francis’ prayer when he writes, “be a person who seeks to understand rather than be understood.”
Luke, a disciple of Jesus writes, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son. That whoever believes in Him would not perish but have eternal life.”
If you are a parent, this line of prayer hits home as you think about your children. I can remember hanging with my daughter after she had a tough day at school. I remember how busy I felt, but I understood how much she needed me.
It was a time of consoling. It was a time of understanding her. It was a time of love. It’s what she needed, not what I wanted.
I can remember when my wife had to have a life-threatening surgery, and we lost a baby.
It was hard. It hurt. My wife was devastated. This was a time when I needed to console, understand, and love her.
But what about those who are not your immediate family? How are you at consoling, understanding, and loving strangers?
My hand is raised as guilty on this one. I fail miserably.
Why do I get so fired up when someone doesn’t console me, understand me better or show me love?
I want to put a challenge out there for you as I have challenged myself.
It’s easy to love those who love you, but what about those who mistreat, abuse, or despise you?
What about those who don’t console, understand, or love you?
What does that look like for you?
This whole line of prayer from St. Francis can be linked to the above passage in Luke 6:38 regarding sowing and reaping.
Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”
What are you reaping in your life right now?
No, really, take a moment and think about what you are reaping in your life.
Do you find people are understanding toward you?
Do you find people are consoling you?
Do you find people loving toward you?
If they are, you are reaping the benefits of these scriptures. You are receiving the fruit from the seeds you have been sowing.
If you are not, this is a good time to evaluate what you are sowing.
What do you want to change?
What seeds do you need to plant?
When will you begin?
Let me know what resonated with you the most.
I’m rooting and praying with you.
Coach Anthony Thompson
Plus, whenever you are ready - here are 5 more ways you can drastically improve your mindset and increase your revenue as a high performer.
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