Leviticus 19:18
Stop being angry and don’t try to take revenge. I am the Lord, and I command you to love others as much as you love yourself.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do
you know someone who is so angry with another person that he/she cannot
be in the same room with them? I am sad to say that I do. I know
people who can barely be civil to each other and speak a few words -
much less share space. I also know people who are so bitter and angry
that they have sought ways to harm another person – mentally and
emotionally, if not physically. The energy and emotion expended by
these folks is exhausting – and sad. And I believe that this breaks
God’s heart.
I count myself blessed to say that I have never been
one to hold a grudge – at least not for very long. I have people with
whom I have established mental and physical boundaries. There are a few
folks with whom I have little contact, because it’s just better that
way for both of us. There are certain situations and events that I
avoid, because I know that they will either offer the opportunity for
conflict – or there is a potential for discussions and actions that
might upset me. But I do not avoid such people or situations out of
judgment or disdain - and certainly not out of anger.
God has
shown me how to handle potentially upsetting and unpleasant people and
situations. Once in a while, such an encounter will be inevitable. But
I have asked Him to guide me…to keep me calm and collected…and to
shield me from any lasting feelings of ill will or displeasure. I have
asked God to give me a heart for forgiveness and compassion toward
others…even those who “rub me the wrong way” in some manner. And while I
am a work in progress, I can say that He has generously granted me
great peace in this area.
Conflicts and difficult folks are an
inevitable part of life. But God wants us to allow Him to handle these
people and situations. He wants us to focus on loving all people – at
all times. He wants us to offer others kindness…to share a smile and a
loving attitude - even when we feel that the person doesn’t deserve it!
I get that this is sometimes hard to accomplish…I truly do. But I can
assure you that when you surrender these feelings to God and allow Him
to handle things, you will experience inexplicable peace and calm. This
may not happen instantly, but God will soothe and settle you.
Don’t
try to take matters into your own hands…and don’t let anger and
resentments fester. Spend some time in prayer and meditation, and ask
God to show you how to control your feelings…and to surround you with
peace and calm as you surrender these people and situations to Him. Ask
God to fill your heart with love and compassion…and let Him handle the
rest. He will do this…are you ready to let Him?
©2015 Debbie Robus
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