Honestly...Sometimes I don't want to be nice

Recently, I was having a "moment" and broadcasted it on Facebook.  It went like this, "Can I be honest?  Sometimes I don't want to be nice."  I was surprised by the response from my friends and connections.  Dozens of people 'liked' my status and it drew lots of comments.  I generally stick to positive messaging and am honestly an optimist anyway so it's usually easy.  However, everyone can resonate with the fact that sometimes we just don't want to be nice.  Whether we're having a bad day, someone's pushing our buttons, or we're faced with someone who is genuinely not nice to us, we all have moments when we don't want to be nice.

Then comes the choice.  I don't have to be nice.  There's no one holding my feet to the fire and making me be nice.  Being nice is a choice.  Most of the time, I make that choice.  Sometimes I fail and I'm a total jerk.  As good as I am at being nice, I'm equally good at being sarcastic and harsh (sometimes better).  While I can choose not to be nice, most of the time that choice hurts me more than anyone else.  Guilty conscience, hurt feelings and damaged relationships aren't worth the choice to act out when I don't feel like being nice.

 He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles. Proverbs 21:23

I have to remember that I get to choose my feelings.  I believe that part of being mature is making the choice to be nice, regardless of how I feel.  Children are slaves to their emotions until they learn that tantrums are inappropriate.  We teach them not to hit others, scream or use inappropriate language, and flail around uncontrolled.  Shouldn't I expect more of myself?

He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Self-Control#sthash.031X1BnT.dpuf

I don't have to be friends with the person on the receiving end. Yet, Jesus calls me to display his love regardless of how I feel and if they become my friend, all the better.  It doesn't mean that I don't get to have a bad day or that I won't sometimes be ugly (southerinsm for being a jerk), but it isn't what I'm called to.

 But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. "Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either." Luke 6:27-29

"But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. "Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Self-Control#sthash.031X1BnT.dpuf

I'm called to show people with my actions and attitude that they are important - important enough for God to send his son Jesus Christ for them.  There's no exception to this admonition.  But it's not just about the other person.  The truth is that when I do this, in spite of my feelings, my feelings change.  I change.  Emotionally and spiritually, I become "weller" and get to enjoy a day without less regret.  Along the journey to optimal health, every choice in the right direction is a good one.  Even when I don't want to.  Be healthy!