Pet peeves. We all have them, whether we admit it or not. It’s those annoying and inconsiderate bad habits of others that irritate us to no end. Here’s a list of common pet peeves:
Drivers who don't use a turn signal. Loud chewing. Talking during a movie. People who drive too slow in the fast lane. Family members who don’t replace the toilet paper. People who don’t cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze. Tapping noises. People who interrupt you. Those who talk indiscreetly on their cell phones in public. And the list goes on.
When we experience a pet peeve we usually issue a reaction. We either verbally object or we at least reprimand in our minds. But have you ever challenged yourself by asking why certain things bother you? As Christians we must be gracious and keep from succumbing to being so petty and peevish in our attitude. Here are some things to think about from God’s Word:
OVERLOOK PEOPLE’S FAULTS: (1 Pet 4:8) And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”
BE CAREFUL, YOU HAVE FAULTS TOO!: (Mat 7:1-5) “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
RESIST THE URGE TO VENT: (James 1:19) So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.
BE GRACIOUS, AND DISPLAY THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: (Gal 5:22-23) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control . . .
FOCUS ON THE LARGER ISSUES OF LIFE: (James 5:8) You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
PERIODICALLY READ AND PONDER THE LOVE CHAPTER: (1 Cor 13:4-8) Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails . . .
Louie