A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day – June 4, 2020
Scoffers set a city afire [by stirring up trouble], But wise men turn away anger [and restore order with their good judgment]. (Proverbs 29:8, Amplified Bible)
How many times have you seen young people that hated their mother or father turn into the very thing they hated when they grew older? It is that old story about what a camera focuses on is the very thing that develops into a picture.
What did Jesus teach us about anger, hate, and unforgiveness? Do not judge and criticize and condemn [others unfairly with an attitude of self-righteous superiority as though assuming the office of a judge], so that you will not be judged [unfairly]. For just as you [hypocritically] judge others [when you are sinful and unrepentant], so will you be judged; and in accordance with your standard of measure [used to pass out judgment], judgment will be measured to you. (Matthew 7:1-2)
Let there be no more resentment, no more anger or temper, no more violent self-assertiveness, no more slander and no more malicious remarks, Be kind to each other, be understanding. Be as ready to forgive others as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:31, Phillips Bible)
If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates (works against) his [Christian] brother he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. (I John 4:20, Amplified)
What we don’t understand about hate, anger, and unforgiveness is that it is not just about what people will do to us in the future. It is about who we become as a person. If we are truly a Christian, then we will not only hear His Word but we will do His Word! But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22)
Pay attention! Be aware of what is happening today. What you see around us is a lot of anger, hate, and unforgiveness. Is it justified? In worldly terms, it is. However, as Christians, we are not to be conformed to this the world. We don’t go by our feelings but by the Word that is real. The very thing that many of us have been fighting against for years (lynch mobs and judgment without due process) is now being heralded as the answer for apparent law breakers. I spent years in law enforcement and believe me the majority of law enforcement personnel that I worked with are good people that do not deserve this type of judgment. They will lay down their lives for their community. Will you do that?
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)
The Apostle Paul said it like this, And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men. (Acts 24:16)
