WATCHWORD:
Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out. Proverbs 17:14
24 Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, 25 or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul. Proverbs 22:24-25
Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. Proverbs 19:11
23 “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. Matthew 5:23-24
Meditation:
What Ticks You Off?
Said a different way, what causes you to be angry? To be upset? To fracture a relationship? Ever feel angry and yet you didn’t quite know why? Was it tone of voice, or unkind words, or criticism? What?
Is it possible that you harbor certain expectations about a situation, or a person, and you find those expectations unmet? And off you go! It really ticks you off!
Are you familiar with the term “sand-bagging”? Sometimes we do that in the interest of politeness, or acting “Christian”. We stuff the injury down, hold on to it, nurture it, feed it, and wait for a time when you can use it, like a weapon! You say you don’t do that? Well, good for you. Sticks and stones, etc.? Is that it? Does that give you peace of mind? That injury is still there, weighing on you, festering. Don’t wait, it is time to reconcile, to make peace. Resolve the darn thing. Get the burr out from under your saddle.
How about this good advice, “Don’t go to bed angry” – is that you? Joyce Meyer talks about a time, years ago, when she was angry at her husband, and for days she slept on the outer edge of her mattress, refusing to apologize because it was “his fault”. She says it was pride that kept her there, on the edge of the mattress, “my own stupid pride”. She tells her audience, “Deal with it before bedtime, and resolve it.”
Too often our pride does get in the way of stepping up and saying that most difficult of all phrases, “I’m sorry, forgive me.” Maybe it was his fault, or her fault, or nobody’s fault. A misunderstanding. Yes, we do need to protect our rights but we have to recognize our responsibilities. If our goal is to be at peace with one another, then it takes some work. We know when we’re not at peace, we can feel it, deep within.
How do we get back to peace, to calmness, and remove the stress that conflict causes? God has given us a formula in John 14:14 – “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” That is probably your Holy Spirit telling you the same thing. Here are some words to get you started… Lord help me resolve this. Listen carefully to the answer… So be it.
Bulletin Board:
David Jeremiah tells of a conference held on the subject of tolerance that had to be shut down because the audience was so disruptive and they would not let speakers finished their presentations. Tolerance, you say?
Closing Prayer:
Lord, You are all-powerful and almighty. You created the sun and the stars, the seas and the heavens above, the earth and all creatures upon it—the very universe and time itself. Who then are we to stand in Your way and let our tiny flares of rage ignite? Help us to step back and allow You and only You to reign supreme. Help us to know and take comfort that You will dole out Your holy wrath justly and completely.
Enable us to rest in the peace of being Your child, Your people, knowing You will handle all things in Your perfect time. Help us set aside the fury and the frenzy, the angst and the nascent seeds of hate beginning to sow. Let us remember the wisdom you gave us through Your servant, James, that everyone should “Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20)
Let us remember the proper motivation—not pride, not prejudice, not personal insult or attack, not fear, but rather a deep and pure affront to God and all You hold dear. Allow our anger to make room for You at the center to honor You and to care for Your people above all. Give us a spirit of peace and rest in You. In Your holy name we pray, amen.
