Ephesians 4:31-32
Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Virtually every day, each one of us has a reason to become bitter, angry, or mad at others. I have dear friends who have endured so much in the last year that it would make your head spin…the loss of loved ones, the loss of pets, physical illness and/or injury – and I’m talking about all of this happening to the same person! Others have endured insults, setbacks, and personal heartaches that boggle the mind. Still, they manage to keep going…to love others, and to operate in grace, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion.
“Kudos to those people!” you may say. “I don’t know how they do it.” And let’s be real here…there are a lot of so-called “Christians” who walk around with a chip on their shoulder and cannot operate in compassion, grace and mercy. You know what I mean. We all could name people who are continually angry at someone or about something…who are mad at the world…who hold onto grudges and belittle others – or express disdain for certain people and/or their behaviors. Their general attitude is one of superiority…or at best, gratitude that they are “not like that guy!” They do not project an image of one who is kind, merciful, forgiving, and accepting of others. And their behavior demonstrates clearly to others that God’s love is only for a select few…because if they belong to Christ, He surely would not want someone with the kind of flaws average people like you and I have!
I’m afraid there are more than a few Christian snobs in our midst…and it’s time for us to each examine our hearts and see if we fall into this category – even once in a while. The Bible is clear that anger, bitterness and being mad at others are not hallmarks of a true Christian disciple. Yelling, cursing, and rudeness of any kind have no place in the life of one of Christ’s followers.
My challenge to you today is to stop and take a hard look at yourself. Examine your heart…your words…your body language…and your thoughts. Think about your recent conversations and what you might have said or done that could be viewed by another as operating in anger, bitterness or rudeness. If you can make amends…do so. But vow to God – and to yourself – to do better. Make this the day that you take this scripture passage to heart and incorporate it fully into your daily Discipleship. Ask God to forgive you...knowing that He will…and then forgive others - and yourself. Call on Him to give you the strength and the resolve to operate in love, grace, mercy, and compassion for everyone – all of the time!
Jesus died on the cross for all of our anger, bitterness, unkindness, and sin of every nature. If we truly are His disciples, we will leave these things at the foot of the cross where they belong. Have you done this? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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