Thick Skin

You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn him the other also. And if anyone sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. (Matt. 5:38-40)

Tough hide and a tender heart. True love is an essential component of thick skin. God guards our hearts and gives us the power to forgive those that have wronged us. I’ll just let you in on a little secret, it is going to take Jesus residing in your heart to be able to do this. This is a supernatural kind of love that comes from Him. It is our greatest defense against feeling overwhelmed when being criticised or having someone attack us personally. We need thick skin to not hold a grudge or try to retaliate. “Jesus said love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you.” (Matt. 5:44) You are developing thick skin and a soft heart all at the same time when you pray like that. Prayer doesn’t just change the situation, it changes us. I have prayed for people for long periods of time, years even, not feeling like it …sorry, but true. But then one day God replaced the grudge, animosity, with compassion. Regarding prayer; just keep doing it, the weaker our prayer life, the thinner our skin, and the harder our heart. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Matt. 26:41). Prayer will change the attitude of you heart if you don’t give up. I also am not saying that this anger will not creep back in at times, that’s why we have to learn to master this thing called prayer, temptations to fall back in our old ways are always there. Learn to leave a closed door closed. Here is a little prayer you can pray for yourself to help you walk with a spirit of humility and compassion.

Lord Jesus ….Forgive my hardness of heart and my selfishness. I am weak, but you are strong. Strengthen and protect me from my natural ways of responding to situations. Teach me how to walk in the Spirit rather than in the flesh. Grant me your peace, wisdom, love and compassion. Wash away my sins with the blood you shed for me by the Holy Spirit, make me more like Jesus every day. Please give me thick skin and a soft heart, especially when my natural impulses flare up under pressure. In your holy name I pray. Amen.

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Author: Debbie Simmons

I am a Northerner by birth, a Southerner by choice. I moved from Michigan directly after High School to Texas, I currently live in Arkansas. I am married to the man that changed my whole outlook on relationships, together we share 4 children, 12 grandchildren and recently a great-grandchild, as well as many other children we call our own. I have been raising children all my adult life in one form or another, from my own, to fostering, to teaching at school & church and any that were just in need of a mom. l received salvation when I was 12 years old at vacation Bible school with my grandfather who was a Minister. I didn't find out what a Christian was until I was 33, that's when my life began to change. I have been studying the Word of God ever since, but more importantly I have come to know Him. I never had the daddy/daughter relationship with my earthly father, but I certainly do now with my heavenly Father. I can't even tell you how blessed I am to have come to the understanding of who I am because of what He has done. I know I am a sinner saved by grace and grateful for it. I am not where I want to be, but I also know I'm not where I used to be, Praise be to God! Currently I am retired and by the direction of the Holy Spirit I have been given an assignment to write, with great intention. That He, my Father might be glorified.

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