Dealing with anger · 5:30am Mar 22nd, 2016
Unfortunately, our emotions have a strong hold over a lot of people, me included. If left unchecked, this can cause trouble, and allow the devil and his minions access, giving them a chance to tempt us when our defenses are down and when we're ripe for temptation, particularly the temptation to either do others violence or, as in my case, to lose our tempers.
Recently, I was responding to a person's questions about God on the Christian Bronies group. I gave answers I believed to be relevant to the question, as did other believers, but we were not received favorably. After one of my posts was replied to unfavorably by an admin who had been keeping track, I lost it and blasted him and the OP in my reply to him. No profanity, but I let them know I was sick of being brushed off and, to my perception, disrespected. I felt upset about it even while I was writing it, but felt so angry at their rejection that, even without being excessively rude, I still allowed my emotions to get the better of me, and I made the decision to post the response myself. I've since edited the post and apologized, but I fear the damage may have been done.
Honestly, loving our enemies is very difficult. It can be hard to remember that Jesus never lost it when He was confronted with people who chose not to believe; He simply spoke God's Word and kept going. Anger displayed in the wrong setting can hurt the chances of others accepting, however unlikely or reluctantly at times, the Gospel of Christ. Admittedly, made in the image of God Himself, anger has its place, but we're reminded by those who have gone before us "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger (Ephesians 4:26). Naturally, unbelievers, mockers, persecutors (which can include any sort of bullying)and those who misunderstand can cause us great frustration. The proper cure is to remember our Role Model, Jesus Himself, or, as the Bible says, "For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed (1 Peter 2:21-24)."
I know, not easy to do when you're in the moment, believe me. But it's possible. Jesus promised that all things are possible with God. When we're angry, we should look to the One who has the power to heal all pain, Who Himself has suffered rejection, bullying, beating, and yes, even death, because he loves us so deeply that He died to save us, in spite of knowing all the pain He would suffered long before it happened. Even at His death, he asked God the Father to forgive the people mocking him, "For they know not what they do (Luke 23:34)." Even here, at their demise, one of the criminals chose to accept Him. We should remain mindful of good ways to spread the Gospel, as well as behaviors and traits that can drive people away from the faith and give them ammunition to use against us, other wise unbelievers will stay unbelieving.
Just some food for thought as I prepare to go to bed. Good night, and may God bless you all.
Link on anger
Another link regarding loving our enemies
Finally, a link regarding how Jesus dealt with the mockers from the Cross
Remember to bless those that bully you, you don't have to love or like them at all, although, if you love or like your enemies, things will get much better. Don't forget to hate all evil though.
3820127 Yes. It's the difference between hating the clothes someone is wearing and hating the actual person wearing them.
If it makes you feel better, I did not even read the post in question and was not aware of its existence before you took it down.
Having said that I certainly do not consider myself your enemy, or an enemy of Christianity. Your Holy Book ( which I have studied extensively and read cover to cover 5 times in 2 different languages)tells us that , in the end, " the truth will set you free." I agree with that sentiment 100%.
That is all I am looking for: the truth. For reasons I have detailed extensively elsewhere I believe the best way for us fallible humans, who after all posses very limited knowledge and understanding, to come as close to the truth as we possibly can is through objective verifiable evidence. It is not my intention to hurt you or anyone else.
Yours in truth,
Onlyanorthernsong.
Agreed mate.
3820139 I believe in coming to the truth too. I believe the Bible to be infallible, and that everything in it works together. Even so, I understand your view point. I hope you find the truth, and soon, and that it brings you peace. Again, even though you didn't see it, I apologize for losing it
3820411 My thanks
3820134 Yeah.