BIBLE READING: 2 Tim 4: 5 - 8 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
What does this passage mean to you?
BLOG: Something happened this week that got my blood boiling. I'm not going to go into it here because this blog is for devotional purposes. While I do rant a bit from time to time, this is way past ranting.
But there was nothing I could do about it.
I am not part of the narrative, nor do I have any relationship with the parties involved. I cannot speak into their lives nor influence them. While I do believe that I have some wisdom that could bring resolve - I am helpless.
Proverbs 14:29 Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.
The first thing I realized was, I'm angry because I cannot speak to the parties involved. While I would love to have, "You said what?" discussion - I can't. This was frustrating.
The second thing I realized was, even if I did have the conversation, it wouldn't matter. The parties involved would dismiss me before I opened my mouth. Without a valued relationship, there would be no trust.
The third thing I realized was, this isn't my problem. When you take up someone else's offense, you dimish your faith in Christ. This isn't my problem because Christ has already dealt with this. I'm not a savior - Jesus is my Savior.
So I decided to wait and see what happens next. Social media blew up, and a few people called me to ask my opinion, some even vented their anger about this to me. But a few days later, the party that had every right to be offended spoke up and embraced the love of Christ with forgiveness.
I wasn't angry anymore.
What are you angry about right now? The Bible tells us to be angry and sin not. (Eph 4:26) Follow the words of Proverbs and be slow to anger. Being hasty leads to doing things that you regret.
Submit your anger to the Holy Spirit.
What does Jesus have to say about this?
Don't pick up someone else's offense.
PRAY: Dear Jesus, help me to my anger under Your control. AMEN
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