Press the arrow to hear a different song than I normally post. It comes from a Celtic band called Ceili Rain. The song is called “You Then Me” was also recorded by Rebecca St. James. I couldn’t find her version so this one will do. The lyrics perfectly describe today’s devotion about rights.
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Scripture
Yet I have never used any of these rights. 1 Corinthians 9:15

Observation
That’s not fair!
That’s not my job!
I didn’t make that mess!
I was here first!
These are the words of rights. These words spare us from doing what we don’t want to do and force others to work for us out of resentment.

The problem with the rights words is that we can be so right that we are wrong. The principle we are applying may be correct, but the heart it comes from is not.

There is something disarming about those whose words are full of grace.
Excuse me.
Thank you.
Please.
Would you mind?
That’s okay, I’ll take care of it.
Here let me help.
You have a lot on your plate….
These words disarm, because they create a safe place for word weapons to drop and for hearts to change.

We need to live not by our rights but to the left of our rights, by not using all of them, all of the time. We we chose not to live by our rights we change the climate where we are to one of grace. Our attitude becomes contagious. Not only are others kinder to one another, but in time we will find kindness extending even to ourselves.

Application
I want to live in a zone of grace, so I must become a use less of the rights words. This is what gives room for God to do his work. My human fear is that I will be walked over. But in fact, the Father promises to lift me up.

Prayer
Father, can you please alert me to the moment before I want to use my rights and direct me in another way. Help me to live to the left of right. Amen.