Putting Feelings in their Proper Place

I read something today that said, "You are always responsible for how you act. No matter how you feel." And then my conscience received this tiny prick of conviction and I realized how guilty I am of doing the complete opposite. Lately I've been feeling very hurt and very frustrated with a good friend of mine. He was my not-exactly-boyfriend-because-we-weren't-going-out-but-had-feelings-for-each-other type of friend. Perhaps you know the kind. And if you don't, take my word for it: they're truly a confusing bunch. Recently though, things have changed. He's been going through a rough time and has been uncertain about just about everything in his life. He left for a week vacation and came back telling me he decided he no longer has feelings for me. He had a few reasons that just really riled me all up. (I don't even know if that's a true phrase, but I was definitely riled.) A very long and confusing story short, I've been frustrated with him.

Now see, I'm not sure that frustration is necessarily wrong. It's a natural reaction to circumstances. But I have been so struggling to put that frustration aside and be the Godly friend to him I know I am to be. He is hurting right now also and I have been burdened in prayer for him. I cannot let my feelings get in the way of sharing God's encouragement and peace with my friend! In my heart of hearts, I know we cannot pursue a relationship until his relationship with God gets back on track. For whatever reason, he's struggling with that right now. Just being friends is best, I completely agree with him. But his methods and reasons... well, that's another story! 

I've been working on putting my feelings aside and being there for him. I certainly haven't failed miserably, but I have lots of room for improvement. For me, this is truly something I can do by God's grace alone. It's an, "I need Thee every hour" type of situation. But the joy of the Lord is my strength, and in Christ I can do all things! Amen!