I heard this the other day:

“As Christians, we are to have the heart of a dove and the skin of a rhino.”

This idea comes from scriptures like: Matthew 10:16 “Behold I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” 

The world can be a mean hateful place. We are not to become offended by others who treat us badly. In fact we should expect it. But we shouldn’t let hate grow in our hearts. The Lord wants us to look at these with compassion, but also be aware of the hardness of their hearts. If we have “skin like a rhino” we are tough on the outside not allowing offenses to rise up within us. Instead when the insults and hurtful words and actions hit us it will do no harm because our “skin” is tough. It doesn’t penetrate into our hearts.

This is the goal. It takes practice to achieve, even though we won’t achieve perfection, we should strive for it. Progress is progress, no matter how little. We are all works in progress.

Think on these words and ask God to help you practice this when  people are being hateful, mean and ignorant of their wrong doing. Handle your relationships with compassion, grace and mercy. And do not allow evil to creep into your hearts. The Bible says we should “guard our hearts”.

God is with you, In Him You are strong and courageous, You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

Keep moving, I’m here with you.