ANGER AND PRIDE – BAD BUDDIES

How many of us have lashed out in anger against a person who has harmed us?  Often when we see that person our anger is stirred up within us and we just want to get back at them. We see them as an enemy to be destroyed in any way possible. How can we get past the bitterness that is inside us and learn to love our enemies?

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.   In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. (Proverbs 25:21-22 NIV)

As we consider being kind to our enemies, our feelings may not agree with us.  When we think of a person who has continually put us down and trampled all over our feelings we may ask, “Why should I be kind to that person?” The main obstacle is simply that our pride would take a beating.  Rather than seeing our actions as God’s way to freedom, we see them as giving in to this person.  We must battle against willful pride if we are to obey what God says. Our pride may suffer but God will reward us. 

A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. (Proverbs 25:28 NLT)

If our choice is to remain filled up with bitterness, we bind ourselves to our past.  Our focus remains on past events and what other people may think rather than on what God says.  Without self-control and the power and love of God in our hearts, our brokenness will negatively influence us as we consider obeying God’s word.  Jesus, who humbled Himself and died on a cross for our sins, prayed for forgiveness for those who crucified Him. Are we so prideful and concerned about how other people will view us that we will not obey God and live a life of goodness towards others, even our enemies?

The right word at the right time is like precious gold set in silver. Listening to good advice is worth much more than jewelry made of gold. (Proverbs 25:11-12 CEV)

Prayer: Loving God, Please give me wisdom to obey Your Word and follow Your ways in all my affairs. Help me to change my heart and to love and be kind to everyone, especially those I have considered to be my enemies.  Amen