Luke 10:39-42
“39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
I’m probably one of the few who loves this passage. Because I see the Savior gently speaking with Martha, whom He loved, who had a burning testimony of His divinity, and who cared for Him often. Instead of getting angry, or impatient, or judging her, the Savior brought home what was happening to help Martha learn a principle. Martha was showing her love by meeting the needs of the Savior and the people gathered to hear Him. And yet, what Mary needed then, as likely did Martha, was to listen and to feel the healing power of His words.
When he says careful, that means worried. Are you worried about things this holiday season? Are you “cumbered about much serving” and maybe even a bit resentful that you have so much to do, and why can’t someone else shoulder the burden or help you out? Imagine the Savior speaking to you gently, looking into your eyes, and with a loving smile saying, “But one thing is needful.” And then to choose the good part, because that’s what He’s reminding us to do. Yes, people need to be fed. But we can still be peacefully focused on what matters most as we do it, to know how best to do it, so that we can reap the joy from the experience.
As you read the scriptures, time after time you will see how often He asks a question instead of lecturing, expresses love instead of anger, and helps someone learn from the moment rather than judge them.
How can you more gently deal with others today?
Best,
Connie
P.S.: For our KSL Viewers, enjoy our One Day Deal w/FREE shipping: 5 for $25 Life is Too Short for One Hair Color gift booklets of my humorous Deseret News columns. Merry Christmas!
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