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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD
Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue # 173 June 19, 2001
ANGRY, HURTFULL WORDS
I read the email and the words hurt. They were an all out attack on me personally and on my family. I also had definitive proof that the accusations were completely unfounded.
My initial reaction was anger and hurt. I wanted to respond in an angry, defensive manner, and destroy the person making the accusations, and let them know I had the proof that they were lying.
I wanted to turn my battleship alongside of them and fire a full salvo of rounds broadside. I wanted to rejoice in sinking them.
I wanted vindication, justice, revenge. I wanted to hurt them as much as they had hurt me.
The problem was that I knew as a Christian that is not how we are called to respond. Scriptures about forgiving one another and turning the other cheek flooded my brain.
The problem was my human side, my flesh did not WANT to forgive. I wanted to lash out, to repay.
I wrote an articulate, scathing reply in which every word was carefully designed to do maximum damage. Then I deleted it.
I was still angry and hurt, but responding in kind wasn’t the answer.
I prayed that He would help me forgive because I wasn’t able and didn’t want to. I was still furious.
I went for a long walk and I vented it all to Him. My desire for vengeance, my lack of desire for forgiveness, my hurt, all of it.
We walked and talked. Actually for most of it I vented and He listened. Still angry, a Scripture came to mind.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:14-21 NIV
I argued, "God, I don’t want to bless them."
“I didn’t ask if you wanted to do it” was the reply that resounded in my head and heart.
Reluctantly, I began to pray for the party involved. It was hard, but the more time I spent talking with God on there behalf, interceding for them, the more my heart softened towards them.
My anger slowly dissipated and I started to recognize more of the hurt they were in. It’s hard to intercede for someone and not care for them.
The wound is still fresh and tender, but the anger is gone and has been replaced with more compassion. The process of healing has begun.
The next time someone lashes out at you, take your anger and hurt before God. Intercede with God on their behalf. I promise it will make a difference in how you feel.
Until next time, may you truly learn to turn the other cheek and act in love.
God bless.
Kevin
If you don’t know this Jesus who can turn aside hurt, anger and pain PLEASE email me. I’ll share a few Bible verses about why a relationship with Him is important and a prayer that will make it possible.
I’m not talking about a religion here, I’m talking about an intimate, personal relationship with the God who created you and loves you.
© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin
All Rights Reserved