This article first appeared in the June 2018 Edition of “Food For Thought” Newsletter that is distributed by John 6 Ministries in Mt. Pearl, NL,CA
This article has undoubtedly been the most difficult one to write in this current series. It’s been difficult because Romans 12:9-21 was one of the main Scriptures that the Lord used to minister to me in my own personal battle with anger. My battle lasted about four years.
I wasn’t mad with just one person, or over one issue only. For that season of life, it felt like I was bombarded by problems, from every conceivable direction. I’d deal with one issue, and in what seemed like no time – something else would happen that would make me angry all over again.
There were deep griefs and loses, some wounding words spoken to me, and some physical issues that were traumatic to me.
In those days, I found that I was more easily upset by even the small things that went wrong in daily life. It felt like I was always “waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
All I could do was tell God how I felt, and ask Him to help me through it. It all felt so unfair. I was helpless to change anything.
For a while, my struggle was especially rough because I was mad at the very One that I needed most. He hadn’t left me, but my anger toward Him, made me FEEL alone.
Even when I was struggling with being angry with Him, He was still faithful and provided for my every need. That reminds me of Romans 5:8, which says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He showed love, compassion and mercy to me when I didn’t deserve it.
During my angry time, someone close to me said that it was like my “sparkle” was gone. WOW! That was exactly it, and what a loving, gracious, and merciful description of me. I knew that I wasn’t myself, but those words helped me to see that others saw a difference in me, as well.
I think James 1:19-20 conveys well, the impact that anger can have on us
James 1:19-20 says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
The love and compassion of that person made a huge difference to me. I didn’t feel condemned, but that approach made it possible for the conviction of the Holy Spirit to penetrate my heart.
A Scripture that really ministered to me during that season of life was Romans 12:9-21. It is a powerful Scripture, and there is much that we can learn from it. I hope it brings healing to any of you who need it – like it did for me. That Scripture says…
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
As we approach any spiritual battle, regardless of the specific circumstances, we need to always remember, and correctly identify, that Satan is our real enemy, not other people.
As Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
As I studied this passage, it stood out to me that as followers of Jesus Christ, we should do things differently than those not professing to be Christians. When we receive Jesus Christ into our lives, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us. Because of Him, we see things in a different way. 1 Corinthians 2:16 says, “we have the mind of Christ.” And we have an ability to do things which are only possible through Him. Matthew 19:26 says, “with God all things are possible.”
Since that time in my life, I have spoken to a surprising number of people who have had their own issues with anger. I believe that anger is an issue for more people than I realized. It’s not always obvious, but it is harmful.
We can all benefit from asking the Lord to show us if there is any anger in us that needs to be dealt with. If we ask, He will answer us. By inviting the Lord to expose the truth to us, the process of healing can begin, wherever it may be necessary.
If anger is not an issue in your life, He will be faithful to showing you that as well. Only good can come from asking though.
There is a lot to be said about this topic, and this Scripture, but for today, I’d like to focus on the first four words of verse 9. Those words are, “Love must be sincere.”
It’s important for us to remember that God IS love, and His description of love is different than our human way of loving.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
The type of love, and loving behaviour, that is spoken of here is Agapè love. It is the highest form of love. It is the same type of love that God has for us. It is lasting and unconditional.
I have been known to say such things as, “I love chocolate,” or “I love travelling,” which I do, but that is not the same type of love that this passage is referring to.
The love that God has for us is dependable. It doesn’t cease when we do something that He doesn’t like. It never changes, or diminishes, because of circumstances.
This is the type of love that inspires and enables us to do things that don’t necessarily come natural to us, but they are in accordance with God’s nature. When we are vessels of God’s love, and are willing to love others this way, those around us can live in freedom from things like condemnation, guilt, shame and unforgiveness.
There is more to consider on this topic, and this passage. We’ll go a little deeper with it next month. Until then, my prayer for all of us is that we be transformed more into Christ’s likeness with each passing day.
