Irritated & Short-Tempered

Now, I know that doesn’t describe me or any of you reading this but, on the off chance that it should describe someone you live with or work with, I feel we all need this instruction that Jesus gave.

I’ll let you eaves drop on my conversation with the Lord.

“ You have heard people say, ‘Love your neighbors and hate your enemies.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. ⁴⁵  Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong. ⁴⁶ If you love only those people who love you, will God reward you for this? Even tax collectors love their friends. ⁴⁷ If you greet only your friends, what’s so great about this? Don’t even unbelievers do that? ⁴⁸  But you must always act like your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:43-48 CEV

What?

I must ALWAYS act like my Father in heaven?? Lord, you’ve got to be kidding. Do you see who/what I have to put up with? Surely, you don’t mean that I must be loving and patient with them.

What?

Oh, you mean them too? The ones who are so contrary and aggravating? Ok, I hear You – I’m supposed to be like my heavenly Father in every situation; that’s a big ask Lord. Oh, You weren’t asking; You were telling me that’s what I MUST do.

Well then, if that’s the case, I need Your strength and Your restraint. I need to see others as You do and treat them with the same patience and compassion that You show to me.

What was that Lord?

And not just my friends but my enemies as well. Ah, come on Lord, that’s more than I think I can handle.

“Jesus answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. ³⁸ This is the first and most important commandment. ³⁹  The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’ ⁴⁰ All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 CEV

Wow, Lord. That’s big.

“ Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. ³²  Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.” Ephesians 4:31-32 CEV

Well, if that’s Your will for me then I know that You will give me the desire and the strength to do it. You were my example when You prayed: “not my will, but thine be done”. Thanks for loving me enough to die for me when I was at my worst. Now, I choose to live for You.

Good talk Lord. Good talk. Thanks!