Monthly Women's Devotional
Pink Dragons
The alluring yet toxic Pink Dragon is a new species of millipede indigenous (native) to Thailand. Its spines give it the appearance of a dragon, while its vivid pink color warns predators of its toxicity. This striking creature also gives off an appealing almond smell, which tempts you to get closer for a whiff…but beware, it can be deadly!
In Sue Edward’s book Leading Women Who Wound, she describes another “pink dragon” that similarly appears to be harmless yet can be harmful when confronted. Unfortunately, at one time or another, we will hurt or be hurt by another sister in Christ, and whether intentional or not, it can leave a painful mark on our hearts.
In Galatians 5:17-21, Paul reveals that “... the flesh has desires opposite to the Spirit... which cause us to do what we do not want to do.” He continues to say “the works of the flesh are obvious…hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, disagreements, envying…” Since these emotions are inevitable while we live in the flesh on this earth, we need to learn to deal effectively with the by-product of them, which is conflict.
Conflicts, when handled poorly, can lead to alienation or broken relationships. Neither of which sounds appealing. So, to help avoid these outcomes, let’s look at some healthy suggestions that could help us handle conflict more effectively.
1. Stop putting such high, unattainable expectations on others. When we “expect” others to act or respond in a certain way (and I’m speaking from experience), we’re literally asking for disappointment and or aggravation to build up.
2. Take time to respond instead of retaliating immediately. Our initial response when someone offends or hurts us can be assuaged (or softened) by time. Time spent either allowing our temper to cool down or offering a quick prayer for a discerning heart to understand where this is coming from. Which leads to the next suggestion.
3. Realize that “hurt people, hurt people.” This is not an excuse for ugly behavior, but it is very common for someone who is emotionally unhealthy to take their frustrations or pain out on others.
4. And lastly, respond with grace. One definition of grace that has stuck with me through the years is: giving someone what they don’t deserve. Goodness knows, when someone hurts us deeply by their words or actions, the last thing I want to give them is my patience, love, or forgiveness…but then I have to ask myself, do I deserve God’s patience, love, forgiveness, or His grace when I fall short of what He expects of me? OUCH!
Ladies, let’s face it, we are all a work in progress. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul describes this process as being transformed into Christ’s image with ever-increasing glory. So, when we are confronted by a pink dragon, OR when we are being a pink dragon ourselves (don’t kid yourself, it can happen), let’s remember that we are all in this together, as sisters in Christ, bonded together by the love of Christ flowing through us.
Father, may we allow the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts, and may we allow this peace to act as an umpire, governing our emotions, decisions, and relationships within the body of believers. In the powerful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Trish Gibb
The alluring yet toxic Pink Dragon is a new species of millipede indigenous (native) to Thailand. Its spines give it the appearance of a dragon, while its vivid pink color warns predators of its toxicity. This striking creature also gives off an appealing almond smell, which tempts you to get closer for a whiff…but beware, it can be deadly!
In Sue Edward’s book Leading Women Who Wound, she describes another “pink dragon” that similarly appears to be harmless yet can be harmful when confronted. Unfortunately, at one time or another, we will hurt or be hurt by another sister in Christ, and whether intentional or not, it can leave a painful mark on our hearts.
In Galatians 5:17-21, Paul reveals that “... the flesh has desires opposite to the Spirit... which cause us to do what we do not want to do.” He continues to say “the works of the flesh are obvious…hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, disagreements, envying…” Since these emotions are inevitable while we live in the flesh on this earth, we need to learn to deal effectively with the by-product of them, which is conflict.
Conflicts, when handled poorly, can lead to alienation or broken relationships. Neither of which sounds appealing. So, to help avoid these outcomes, let’s look at some healthy suggestions that could help us handle conflict more effectively.
1. Stop putting such high, unattainable expectations on others. When we “expect” others to act or respond in a certain way (and I’m speaking from experience), we’re literally asking for disappointment and or aggravation to build up.
2. Take time to respond instead of retaliating immediately. Our initial response when someone offends or hurts us can be assuaged (or softened) by time. Time spent either allowing our temper to cool down or offering a quick prayer for a discerning heart to understand where this is coming from. Which leads to the next suggestion.
3. Realize that “hurt people, hurt people.” This is not an excuse for ugly behavior, but it is very common for someone who is emotionally unhealthy to take their frustrations or pain out on others.
4. And lastly, respond with grace. One definition of grace that has stuck with me through the years is: giving someone what they don’t deserve. Goodness knows, when someone hurts us deeply by their words or actions, the last thing I want to give them is my patience, love, or forgiveness…but then I have to ask myself, do I deserve God’s patience, love, forgiveness, or His grace when I fall short of what He expects of me? OUCH!
Ladies, let’s face it, we are all a work in progress. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul describes this process as being transformed into Christ’s image with ever-increasing glory. So, when we are confronted by a pink dragon, OR when we are being a pink dragon ourselves (don’t kid yourself, it can happen), let’s remember that we are all in this together, as sisters in Christ, bonded together by the love of Christ flowing through us.
Father, may we allow the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts, and may we allow this peace to act as an umpire, governing our emotions, decisions, and relationships within the body of believers. In the powerful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Trish Gibb
