Releasing Your Rights

This week we welcome, Gina Castell as she shares her story of releasing her rights and being obedient to Christ.

At 6 AM, I peeked out my window and saw my neighbor walking his dog. To my shock, he let his 45- pound Dalmatian do his business just six inches from my car door. 

I’m neither a dog-lover nor hater, but I struggle to understand how pet owners think it’s acceptable for their dogs to roam freely over my grass. Technically, I don’t own that patch, but if I opened my car door, I’d step right onto his mess. 

Since my husband was still sleeping, I consoled myself aloud. “You are a new creation; you can’t just go yell at him. Instead, I chose passive aggression—something rare for a New Yorker. I simply went online and bought two lawn signs that basically said, “Do that again and you’re dead!”

When the signs arrived, I stepped outside to put them up. That’s when God spoke: “If you want to learn to give up your rights, now’s a great time to start.” Convicted, I put the signs away.

Years ago, a friend told me, “Gina, you have to give up your rights to have victory.” At first, I resisted. But later, I realized that she was right. God lovingly reminds me of her words often. 

Surrendering our rights isn’t easy when we feel slighted. But feelings aren’t facts. My neighbor likely didn’t think he was doing anything wrong—he even picked up the poop! But what if he hadn’t? How do we respond when someone offends us? Here are some biblical principles:

Pray— “God, please help me not to react in the flesh.” Because I turned to God immediately, I avoided unnecessary conflict. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” John 10:27 ASV. God will surely give us the power to react with grace when we ask Him. 

Practice Love—Put into practice what you already know. The Bible is clear on handling difficult people. “’You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor^[a] and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.’” Matthew 5:43-45 NIV. Often, I’ve prayed for God to give me the “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 NIV. And He has answered!

Be Practical—Use common sense. Ask yourself, “Where will insisting on my rights get me?” In my case, retaliation would have caused an unnecessary feud. God suggested that walking to the driver’s side of my car would be a practical solution. 

Prepare Your Heart— Jesus surrendered His rights more than we ever will. “He gave up his divine privileges…humbled himself…and died a criminal’s death on a cross” Philippians 2:5-8 NLT.

Surrendering may feel like losing, but in God’s kingdom, obedience always leads to victory. Jesus was exalted for His sacrifice (Philippians 2:9), and we too will be rewarded for choosing humility. 

Beloved, I’ve not yet arrived at the place where I easily can release my rights. But God is working in me, and in this, I rejoice.

Meet Gina

Bio: Gina Castell has been a Christian for 36 years. She loves studying the word, spending time in prayer, and enjoying friends and family. Gina lives in New York with her husband and son, who recently made them empty-nesters. She has written for Fathom Magazine, Our Story Magazine, and Living by Design Ministry. She was a Sunday School Teacher for many years and now serves as an active member of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, and the Compel Training Devotional Writing Community Group.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gina.castell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009469116374

Blog: (a work-in-progress): https://lifewithchristsite.wordpress.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-castell-8867b942/

Guest Blog Opportunities

Each week, we host a guest blogger on the site to share their story of how they surrendered to God. If you feel God is leading you to share your story, please check out the submission guidelines. I greatly appreciate your support and prayers for this community.

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