Take Captive Every Thought

I am studying 2 Corinthians 10 tonight. After a great discussion with hubby...I shared my philosophy on my own frustrations and how I respond.

For years now I have struggled with reacting vs responding. What is the difference?

React: to behave or change in a particular way when something happens, is said, etc.
Respond: say something in reply.

2 Corinthians 10 is titled Paul's Defense of his Ministry. My question is, why did he feel he had to defend his ministry?? Maybe because he was reacting instead of responding...maybe something else?

After studying all that Paul wrote in the bible, I have a sneaking suspicion he did not like conflict. I don't like conflict.  "I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away!" I can relate to this. I like to write cause I can express my thoughts and opinions on paper/computer more than I can in person. I am able to take the time for formulate what I want to say much more concise and with more detail than I can having a conversation.

5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

This verse is key. Paul clearly understands that what comes out of your mouth starts as a thought. Joyce Meyer wrote a whole book about taking captive thoughts >http://www.joycemeyer.org/ProductDetail.aspx?id=007076< I have been working for the last couple years to take my thoughts captive and trust God more and more every day. Some days I do well and others not so...but every day I try again. The more I better I do the more positive I become and the little things in life that used to make me so crazy upset don't even get to me.

No emotion in Business

Just when I think I am on the way to getting healthier emotionally....an emotional bruise is pushed.

Sometimes I like my heart open to learn. Today's lesson is when you respond emotionally from an emotional place more emotions mis-interpreted are bound to come in return. I responded to a friend's pain in what I had thought was a sweet way to ease the pain she was feeling...pain that I relate to very well. What I learned is...the way I asked was very passive aggressive. So in many ways I responded to what happened to my friend as if it happened to me. No one asked me to respond...I didn't need to fix it or do anything. I just needed to empathize and let it go for her to deal with.

This is the first week after my graduation from my year and a half course of 'Learn To Let Go and Grow.' I am excited to write and digest what I have learned.