Anger and Forgiveness

Anger: a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.

As it seems, the Bible does not say not to be angry. It instead reveals to us that in our anger we should know or learn how to compose ourselves. As with any teaching, when telling someone how to respond to situations, we must be the living example of what we teach. But then perhaps we should once again look to the best examples, which we find in our daily guide, the Bible. Anger is an emotion, therefore a natural occurrence, so we can only guide it. Life is a continual test, so we must study and teach how to pass through as smoothly as possible. In regards to anger, the Bible says “The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. (Psalms 103:8). This is our example, and we must be cautious to ask how and not why. In our human nature, many times when given instruction that may not correlate with our plans, we tend to ask why and challenge what we feel is challenging us. Instead though, when instructed from God, even if “challenged”, we should by faith follow his example and ask “how can I do what you have shown me to the best of my ability.”

In the first chapter of James (v.20), it states, “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” As said before, anger in itself is not wrong. Our reaction to that anger in a negative way is defined as wrong. The “wrath of man” is that anger taken to another level. It is the response to anger that is composed of a desire to retaliate with a heart of revenge. Righteousness does not contain retaliation. While “the wrath of man” invites this retaliation and an attitude that promotes inflicting harm, the righteousness of God is that which perfectly encourages and enforces what is right and just. Hurting and harming others as a response to the way they treat us or talk about us will only slow our walk with God. We cannot grow while holding on to the weight of wrath. Instead, we should do what is right, what is righteous and open our hearts, thawing the coldness and forgive our offenders.

Forgiveness is not always easy. Once again we need to remember that in our Christian journey, when attempting to be in compliance with God, we need to ask how instead of why? The apostle Paul says in Ephesians 4:26, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:” This verse suggests that we forgive and find resolution before the end of the day. There is no need in beginning a new day with the unnecessary weight of wrath on our hearts. And also, the time spent on realizing the error of wrath could be spent growing ourselves and others in Christ. As humans, this may be difficult, but as Christians we should put this into practice, so that in time it will become easier to do. And as we follow God as our example, so will we too be an example for someone else learning to forgive instead of retaliating.

Deception and Truth

The deceptions of this world are ultimately the products of the Deceiver trying to taint the creation of the Creator. When one is deceived, they are intentionally misled by someone that has their own intentions in mind. As mentioned before, the Deceiver desires to deceive the entire world so that the creation of God could be also brought into eternal punishment with him. Misery loves company, and long story short, he is going to be very miserable. But even knowing this, some are still brought to their knees by the deceptions that are allowed to befall them. In order to fight against the evil rulers and spiritual wickedness, we must arm ourselves with the Word of God, not only to fight the devil, but to be versed on how to stay away from him and to recognize him when we see him.

Jesus himself even warns us to not be deceived. He has given us the greatest example of all time how to fight against the evil ruler and also how to fight the temptation that he provides to us. The Deceiver has had thousands of years to study humanity, to know what to do and what to say to convince us to do things for our own pleasure and satisfaction. In the later book of 1 John (4:4-6), it's author piggybacks off of what Jesus Christ says and adds that we are Gods and have overcome these evil people in the world, because we have Jesus Christ in us, and with Jesus Christ we are greater than those that are in the world.

Even in the case of religion the Deceiver has set up people in high places to look sound and appear to be prophets from the Lord. But their words will have no meaning. Their words will have no truth;therefore, they will be deceivers. We were also warned by the Lord to watch out for those with “empty words.” (Ephesians 5:6). In 2 Corinthians 11:3, it says But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your mind should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. This speaks to the craftiness of the devil and whereas he has to use subtlety and secret influence, Christ used simplicity that you can take at face value. And also regarding the serpent and deceiving Eve, once again this brings us to the aforementioned word in Ephesians that empty words, if they sound good, might affect anyone with any level of a relationship with God.

So how do we combat this deception? The Deceiver is a very powerful and cunning adversary. But he is not the Creator or the Savior of humanity;therefore, he is not all-powerful, and he is not the most powerful Source. Instead, he was created and he also has a weakness. In order to fight the deception, we must realize what the truth is and not just accept what we hear to be the silent truth. We must do our research, test and try what people are trying to influence us with. As with all things, in Christianity we must put God first and use the presence of God and his purpose against anything that we come against that may be deception.

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 John 4:1‭-‬3 KJV)

Manhood (pt.2): Leadership as a Protector

A protector keeps those in their care safe and guards them from harm. And now in this world, we fight to do so not only physically, but also, and perhaps more importantly so, spiritually. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.(Ephesians 6:12 KJV). The spiritual battle we do not see, and at times, are completely unaware that we are even within a conflict.

A leading man of God is given the charge to protect, but it is vital to implement the proper safeguards for both physical and spiritual. Physical protection is a bit easier to accomplish as it is easier to manage what is visible. Security systems, cameras, guards, and other barriers can stop outside potential threats. While these things will not be as effective with spiritual opposition, there is still protection. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:10‭-‬11‭, ‬13 KJV).

Everyday is a new day to be exposed to new battles on the spiritual war front. As a protector, a man can arm and protect by equipping others with the armor of God which consists of truth, faith, peace, salvation, prayer, and the Word of God. Any battle fought without the necessary preparation can have deadly results, because without it one is exposed. This is yet another reason why fulfilling the duties of manhood is so important. As a leader, a man is to do whatever possible to reduce or eliminate the exposure to spiritual wickedness and the rulers of darkness. Live for God and instill God to provide spiritual protection!

Sacrifice (pt.1): The Example

As we have recently been discussing value some things in life are so because we have worked hard for them or hard to become them. But when we have things that we cherish or we give that value too it is very difficult for us to let them go. When we give those things up, whether willingly or under difficult circumstances, this is considered to many to be a Sacrifice.

Jesus's sacrifice was given to atone for our sins and, as such, it is not only a sign of reverence, but our duty to show thanks to God for that sacrifice. When something is given to us, our thanks shows respect to the person that gave it to us, and when this giving is done sacrificially then, accordingly, the thanks should be that much more. In regards to the sacrifice given to us from God, a reciprocity is necessary for us to complete that process of being given a blessing and saying thank you. We should give our lives to God as the life of the God-Son was given for us. We are not being told to give up life and our bodies necessarily, but we are called to do what is necessary to honor and praise God and bring others into a relationship with him as well.

There are many things that are around us that may hinder us from doing this. But the bottom line is that we should only focus on the things that will bring others to Christ and we should sacrifice the satisfactions and the entertainment of our own bodies and our own minds to bring others into a close relationship God. We may have to sacrifice our time for God, but this is something that He has already done. He takes his time to properly build up the blessings that we need. We may need to sacrifice the things that we say, but this is something that God has already done for us, because in the beginning God spoke all things into existence. And in the Bible, which is his a compilation of his powerful Words, He has promised on so many occasions, that He would look out for us. We may have to sacrifice the things that we think for God. But this is something also that he has done for us because he was thinking of us when he gave up his precious Son. He is giving us a blueprint of things that we also should think on, so as to praise him and grow our relationship with him in thought, to be privy to the blessings that He has promised that are waiting for us. God sacrificed Jesus and Jesus sacrificed his relationship with his family and friends here on Earth, so that we could strengthen ours with the Father up in Heaven.

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Renewed (pt.1): Putting on the New Man

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Ephesians 4:23-24

For some, December and January mark a time period of change in light of the new year. More so it marks a time of newness or renewal. As I am not one to fully agree with making New Year's Resolutions, I do however agree that there is a time for everything. So if this time of year gives birth to reflection and a desire to better or grow oneself, than perhaps it is beneficial.

The Bible speaks about spiritual renewal in Ephesians [chapter 4]. The apostle Paul informed the Christians in Ephesus of the importance of putting off the “old man” and putting on the “new man”. He even explained to them how to do it. He declared that they should put off lying, stay composed while angry, not steal, and speak healthy words. In other words, "Give no place to the devil", [verse 27], and "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God" [verse 30]. Furthermore, Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you [verses 31-32].

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Praise and Deliverance

I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1

This verse is a wonderful blueprint toward how a  Christian’s attitude should be, in regards to acknowledging God’s goodness. Written by the man after God’s own heart, this entire chapter of Psalms [34] reflects on the solid belief and example of God being there for us. The psalter makes sure to always include God’s workings in his life, no matter the situation he finds himself in or coming out of. Perhaps the approach that David takes toward revealing God’s divine intervention causes him to remain or at times, return to being of the description given- being righteous. Blessing the Lord at all times, and continuously praising God no doubt increased the relationship of David and God.

Verse 19 mentions the righteous in that “Many are the afflictions of the righteous:but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” David surely had his fair share of afflictions, but one in particular is believed to have been the source of his penning these profound words declaring his praise.

Before the poetry of this chapter, is a partial explanation making reference to an incident involving David and his confrontation with Abimelech. In the incident, David, in fear for his life, plays the role of a man gone mad, on the ground in the dirt, drooling in his beard. This image is shameful, to say the least, but it worked. His life was spared and he was sent away. God had saved him, once again. His life was spared and he explains further, “ I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears (v.4). He realizes his shortcomings, referring to himself in verse 6 as “This poor man” crying, when once again “the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.” The commonality here is that when in distress, the Lord will hear his righteous, and deliver them out…of them all.”

Thousands of years after these events,we too can find ourselves on the receiving end of God’s deliverance. We have but to ask, and in the words of Jesus himself, “it shall be given; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) In almost a mirroring of the image that David set forth in Psalm 34, Paul’s Epistle of Ephesians [5:20] reminds us to always give thanks to God for all things. We must remember who he is and what he is capable of. He hears us and delivers us from all that might oppose us. This deliverance is available by believing and consistently praising God’s name -always. David stated it perfectly in an earlier chapter. Psalm 9:10 says, “And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” Beautiful poetry!

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