by David Brenneman
"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do." Hebrews 4:12-13
Griping and complaining go hand-in-hand with bitterness.
We don't need to hold grudges when we have something against someone else. We do not need to be bitter to the point of comparing people to people.
Jesus knows the thoughts and intentions of your heart as well as everyone else's. He knows what motivated them as well as what motivates you.
We also shouldn't be placing ourselves in the place of God either.
We do not have a right to determine who is guilty to the point of death on our own understanding.
It's a key reason why the Bible says that only on the testimony of two or more should someone be convicted of guilt.
Are there people deserving of things? Obviously that answer is yes. Are we as sovereign as Jesus to know every single detail of the given situation we see before us? No.
Why are there people who take advantage of Christians and some who do not?
The Bible tells us to be alert...for several reasons. One is that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. That someone could be you if you let bitterness creep into your life.
The other are those who are wolves in sheep’s clothing. People who put on Christianity for appearance sake. To reap the benefits, taking advantage of those who are in Christ.
Regardless of the cause, we're to keep on the alert, keeping the full armor of God in place.
It's going to go much better for our mental health to get out of God's way in dealing with people. If a situation warrants our ire being provoked...take it to Jesus.
Take it to Jesus and move on.
All who are breathing are gifted by God to be living here today. The good the bad and the ugly.
The good and the bad have a place in God's plan for humanity.
Paul was accosted by bad people. He was beaten, stoned, you name it and it happened to him. He personally had every right, as we say today, to call down fire from Heaven to devour the enemies he had. What did he say about these types of things? "To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now."
1 Corinthians 4:11-13.
We should realize it's not on us to say who is or isn't worthy of the same free gift of salvation as we received.
But I didn't say that! Well, my Dear Reader, if the thoughts and intentions of your heart are to condemn others and to write them off from knowing Christ who is in you...you just might be.
Bitterness is an acid you drink hoping that the other person has a problem.
Bitterness towards others puts a closed door between you and Jesus. Didn't think of that one did you?
What does the Spirit say? Pray for those who persecute you.
“But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:20-21.
We who are in Christ have no rights that are outside of the character of Christ.
Read in Proverbs. Read in Eccleseastes. King Solomon wrote it over and over that those who wrong others are not going to get away with anything. What did Hagar say of the Lord? "You are the God who sees".
You don't think that God can handle whomever is before you? That's what you are saying when you want to be judge jury and executioner.
Let go, give whomever to God to deal with...or do you think it's to no avail that we're to in everything give thanks. In all ways acknowledge Him and He will make our paths straight. To persevere. To set our minds on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world.
You may indeed wonder why someone is before you. Ask yourself what might Jesus be wanting of you to be saying or doing in that moment.
You are a representative of your Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
You are not Him.
Release whatever has been burdening your heart to Jesus to take care of. Leave it at the foot of the cross.
This too is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.
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