A woman died after living a long life. She met God and asked, “If man was created in Your image and created equal, why do people treat each other so badly?” God replied that each person who enters our life has a unique lesson to teach. It is through those lessons that we learn about life, people, relationships and God. Then God explain.
When someone lies to you, it teaches that things are not always as they seem. The truth is often beneath the surface. Look beyond the masks people wear if you want to know their heart. Don’t forget to remove your own mask to let people know your heart.
When someone steals from you, it teaches that nothing is forever. Learn to appreciate what you have; you never know when you might lose it. Don’t take your friends and family for granted; today is the only guarantee you have.
When someone inflicts an injury upon you, it teaches that the human state is a fragile one. Protect and take care of your body as best you can; it’s the only thing that you have here on earth. When you are mocked, it teaches that no two people are alike. When you encounter people who are different from you, don’t judge them by how they look or act; base your opinion on the contents of their heart.
When someone breaks your heart, it teaches that loving someone do not always mean that the person will love you. But, don’t turn your back on love; when you find the right person, the joy the person brings will make up for all past hurts.
When someone holds a grudge against you, it teaches that everyone make mistakes. When you are wronged, the most virtuous thing you can do is forgive the offender without pretense. Forgiving those who have hurt us is the most difficult and courageous thing man can do.
When a loved one is unfaithful to you, it teaches that resisting temptation is man’s greatest challenge. Be vigilant in your resistance against temptations; doing so will be rewarding with a sense of satisfaction greater than the temporary pleasure by which you were tempted.
When someone cheats you, it teaches that greed is the root of evil. Aspire to make your dreams come true. Do not feel guilty about your success; and don’t let an obsession with achieving your goals lead you to engage in malicious activities.
When you are ridiculed, it teaches that nobody is perfect. Learn to accept people for their merits and be tolerant of their flaws. And don’t reject someone for imperfections over which they have no control.
After hearing the Lord’s wisdom, the woman thought that there were no lessons to be learned from man’s good deeds.
God replied that man’s capacity to love is the greatest gift he has. At the root of all kindness is love; each act of love teaches us a lesson. God once again explain: When someone loves us, it teaches that love, kindness, charity, honesty, humility, forgiveness and acceptance can counteract all evil. For every good deed, there is one less evil deed. Man has the power to control the balance between good and evil, but the lessons of love are not taught often enough, the power is often abused.
When you enter someone’s life, whether by plan, chance or coincidence, consider what your lesson will be. Will you teach love or a harsh lesson of reality? Will your life have results in loving or hurting; in comfort or pain; more joy or sadness? Each of us has power over the balance of love in the world. Use it wisely. Everything happens for a purpose; we may not see the wisdom of it all now, but trust in the Lord that everything is for the best.
Remember, fear and defeat cannot live long in a heart that trusts the Lord. I’m not saying you’ll understand the lesson to be learned, but you can choose to dwell on His provision and care instead.
Also, when time is devoted to God in prayer, especially in the morning, the day’s time seems to increase and most people do not feel rushed for anything the rest of the day. The scripture says, “The fear of the Lord prolongs days, But the years of the wicked will be shortened.” Proverbs 10:27 (NKJV)
