Greet Anger With Kindness
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." -- Ephesians 6:31-32
Today was a rough day. It's difficult to work with an unhappy person who is intent on lashing out at those around him. Today was my day to be on the receiving end of his blame-game.
I do realize that he is an unhappy, hard-hearted person. I also realize that it's always somebody. It's not about me. He's always angry, always pointing a finger, always blaming and making excuses. He's lashed out at just about everyone. I've witnessed it a number of times.
Still, it's difficult for me to hold my tongue in the middle of it. I want to lash out. My hurt feelings want to defend themselves with angry words. True words, that voice inside me says. Wrong words, the Christian in me soothes.
Angry words won't change him. Prayer is all I know how to do for him. I'd like to think kindness in the face of his accusations will make its mark. When doubt fills me, I remind myself that God can do anything. And I really do want God to touch this man's heart and rid him of all his bitterness.
I turn him over to God and also ask for strength and wisdom for myself. I don't want to be the person who lashes out and wants revenge. I want to be the person who spoke kindly and walked away. Even writing that makes me cringe. My human side craves retaliation. My Christian heart says no way. I must hold my tongue, no matter how unfair it may seem.
Living a Christian life is sometimes difficult. I turn to God and ask for strength. I read His Word and seek His wisdom. I pray for His intervention and His healing touch. And I pray that tomorrow I will greet this angry, bitter man with kindness and compassion. He doesn't deserve it. But, then, neither do I deserve the kindness and compassion God always shows me.
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