He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 1John 2:9-11 (NKJV)
Have you ever witnessed good friends of yours fighting? Or maybe even family members at a holiday function. I know that I have, and Im pretty sure youve seen your share as well. Its really a bummer when this happens, because you care for them, and you hate to see things like this happen. People get hurt, and things are said in anger that will resonate for years to come.
As much as this hurts me to see or hear, it hurts even more when I know that the people who are participating in these types of conversations are Christian brothers and sisters. Its not that I think Christians are somehow immune to arguing or saying stupid things, because their not. In fact, they are probably tempted even more in this area by the evil one.
You see, when Satan can get Christians to turn against each other in outrage and anger, he has succeeded in dissuading others who dont know the love and peace of Jesus from wanting to know Him because of our actions. Think about it for a moment; what would you think if you see a couple of people who profess knowing the Lord as Savior, and who have openly said they believe and follow Jesus, and there they are ready to go to blows with each other?
What kind of witness is that? Where is the love, and the turning of the other cheek? Where is their faith that God is in control, and that He will protect them?
Q:So how is it that we, as Christians, can still act this way?
A:Because we are still in this corruptible temporary body of flesh, and we will still fail when we attempt to control these situations in our lives, rather than allowing God to.
I believe we can loose control only when we give control over to our wants, desires, fears, worries, and anxieties instead of closing our mouths, praying to God, and implementing the scriptures weve read and know to be true. How are we suppose to change, if we dont apply what God has told us, and continues to teach us as we read His Word daily?
We are told in James 3, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. He says, Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. Oh, how true! How many times have we seen a conversation turn into a raging argument as one person says something that sets the other into a rage?
Once this has happened then starts a domino effect of trading barbs and digs at one another. One crass comment is met in response by another, as anger is vented like lava from a dormant volcano; it spews forth and scorches everything in its path.
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. Proverbs 29:11 (NIV)
Hey, truth be told, were all guilty of the same things. Its so easy to point out someone elses faults, while overlooking your own. Jesus asked the question to those who were doing this when He said, Why do you look at the spec in your brothers eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?
I like to ask the question in these types of situations, Where is the fruit? Is this something that shows our love for God, our respect for His will, or our belief in His ways? Does, what Im doing, edify and give witness to the love of God in my life? Do I trust God for His protection, provision, and justice, or am I going to take matters into my own hand by means of anger, threats, or slander or even retaliation?
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Proverbs 10:19 (NIV)
Hey Christian, I want to encourage you to stop and think about how you will react to whatever you face today. It doesnt matter what it is, God knows about it already. The devil thinks he can get you to stumble and give false witness because of these attacks on you. Hes betting on it. God has said to Satan, Go ahead and test my child, he is able to withstand your temptation.
God isnt going to allow you to be tested, or tempted beyond what you are capable of handling without making a way of escape, and that way of escape is Him. Turn to Him, and ask Him for help. Dont try to do it on your own, we already know how that works.
STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the scriptures above when it comes to speaking our mind in anger?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Have you found yourself attacking those who are attacking you?
APPLICATION: Let God be your defender. Repay evil with kindness, and let God handle the person who wrong. He will bless you and you will have peace. Others that are watching will see Christ in you. And glory will be given to Christ in the way you handle yourself.
Have you ever witnessed good friends of yours fighting? Or maybe even family members at a holiday function. I know that I have, and Im pretty sure youve seen your share as well. Its really a bummer when this happens, because you care for them, and you hate to see things like this happen. People get hurt, and things are said in anger that will resonate for years to come.
As much as this hurts me to see or hear, it hurts even more when I know that the people who are participating in these types of conversations are Christian brothers and sisters. Its not that I think Christians are somehow immune to arguing or saying stupid things, because their not. In fact, they are probably tempted even more in this area by the evil one.
You see, when Satan can get Christians to turn against each other in outrage and anger, he has succeeded in dissuading others who dont know the love and peace of Jesus from wanting to know Him because of our actions. Think about it for a moment; what would you think if you see a couple of people who profess knowing the Lord as Savior, and who have openly said they believe and follow Jesus, and there they are ready to go to blows with each other?
What kind of witness is that? Where is the love, and the turning of the other cheek? Where is their faith that God is in control, and that He will protect them?
Q:So how is it that we, as Christians, can still act this way?
A:Because we are still in this corruptible temporary body of flesh, and we will still fail when we attempt to control these situations in our lives, rather than allowing God to.
I believe we can loose control only when we give control over to our wants, desires, fears, worries, and anxieties instead of closing our mouths, praying to God, and implementing the scriptures weve read and know to be true. How are we suppose to change, if we dont apply what God has told us, and continues to teach us as we read His Word daily?
We are told in James 3, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. He says, Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. Oh, how true! How many times have we seen a conversation turn into a raging argument as one person says something that sets the other into a rage?
Once this has happened then starts a domino effect of trading barbs and digs at one another. One crass comment is met in response by another, as anger is vented like lava from a dormant volcano; it spews forth and scorches everything in its path.
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. Proverbs 29:11 (NIV)
Hey, truth be told, were all guilty of the same things. Its so easy to point out someone elses faults, while overlooking your own. Jesus asked the question to those who were doing this when He said, Why do you look at the spec in your brothers eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?
I like to ask the question in these types of situations, Where is the fruit? Is this something that shows our love for God, our respect for His will, or our belief in His ways? Does, what Im doing, edify and give witness to the love of God in my life? Do I trust God for His protection, provision, and justice, or am I going to take matters into my own hand by means of anger, threats, or slander or even retaliation?
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Proverbs 10:19 (NIV)
Hey Christian, I want to encourage you to stop and think about how you will react to whatever you face today. It doesnt matter what it is, God knows about it already. The devil thinks he can get you to stumble and give false witness because of these attacks on you. Hes betting on it. God has said to Satan, Go ahead and test my child, he is able to withstand your temptation.
God isnt going to allow you to be tested, or tempted beyond what you are capable of handling without making a way of escape, and that way of escape is Him. Turn to Him, and ask Him for help. Dont try to do it on your own, we already know how that works.
STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the scriptures above when it comes to speaking our mind in anger?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Have you found yourself attacking those who are attacking you?
APPLICATION: Let God be your defender. Repay evil with kindness, and let God handle the person who wrong. He will bless you and you will have peace. Others that are watching will see Christ in you. And glory will be given to Christ in the way you handle yourself.
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