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 the anger is stirred up in 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?

 As we consider being kind to our enemies, our feelings may disagree with us.  When we think of a person who has continually put us down and trampled all over our feelings we 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.  

 If we choose to remain filled with pride we bind ourselves to our past.  Our focus remains on those former events and what other people might 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 filled with pride and concerned about how some people will see us that we refuse to obey God and have a life of goodness towards others, even our enemies? 

Prayer: Loving God, Please give me wisdom to obey Your word and follow Your ways in all my affairs. Help me to love and be kind to everyone, especially those I once thought to be my enemies.  Amen

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