In this episode, we're practicing the thought, "I highly regard my neighbor." The goal is to get us out of thinking of ourselves and to start thinking of others.
Proverbs 3:27 reminds us, "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it is in your power to act."
We all encounter situations where we could easily give our neighbor something that could bless them, but we either can’t be bothered or we keep it to ourselves out of spite. Often the "paddles" we're withholding cost us nothing - eye contact, a smile, kind words, our time. Our withholding isn't always intentional, it could be that we're just trying to get things done. But because of this, we view others as an obstacle, not a person who is loved by God.
God's second greatest commandment is to love others as we love ourselves. The good news is that it doesn’t take any preparation to begin handing out "paddles," it begins with shifting your thought to, "I highly regard my neighbor."
Action Steps:
- Consider where in the past has someone kept a "paddle" from you. How did it feel?
- Put the thought, "I highly regard my neighbor" somewhere that you will see it often, like the lock screen on your phone. (Head to my Instagram to get a free lock screen graphic.)
- Start by highly regarding the neighbor(s) you live with.
- Sign up for my mailing list at StruggleWellSchool.com and get the free download to help you determine what you’re thinking. Then follow the prompts to determine your thoughts, feelings, and actions on both the struggle and wellness cycle.
