In a previous blog post (click here to be reminded) we elaborated on how we counterfeit the Holy Spirit’s fruit of kindness by using manipulation that results in anger. The recent Christmas season reminded us of an example of what this looks like.
Johnny loved to spend his time wishing in the toy catalogs at Christmas time. As soon as the first catalog appeared in the mailbox he began planning how to be the best little boy possible so that he could get everything on his Christmas wish list!! He would spend hours dreaming about the best Christmas presents, but when his mom asked him to take out the trash he would jump to the task! He was Johnny-on-the-spot when the dishwasher needed to be emptied and even swept the kitchen floor without being asked!! He made sure the dog always had enough water and the cat food bowl was always filled. He did everything he could to earn enough brownie points to get what he wanted for Christmas!
One Christmas Johnny had picked out the perfect bicycle. He pondered each color available. He considered the shape of each seat. He learned about the different kinds of brake systems and determined the best kind of gear shifter. He knew exactly what he wanted, and he tried to make sure everyone else knew too.
But, on Christmas morning there was no bike for Johnny under the tree!! He stomped and shouted so loudly that everyone came rushing to see what the tirade was all about! His fit of rage echoed through the family history for decades, even though the perfect bicycle was waiting outside the door all along.
Would you be willing to share a time when you noticed that someone counterfeited kindness with manipulation? Send your story to contact@desperatedependency.com.
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