“man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” - James 1:20
I had an interesting conversation last night that really highlighted this verse for me. The people I was talking with were upset about certain Christians who make a lot of money, and some who may even abuse the pulpit to support a lavish lifestyle. When it came down to it, it was all about forgiveness to me. They couldn’t or haven’t forgiven those certain Christians for the wrongs they perceived that they had done. Instead, they remained bitter and you could hear the angst in the comments they shared regarding those certain Christians.
I don’t support abuse of the pulpit. But regardless of what other people are doing, it’s my job to stay “clean”. To not hold any judgment, bitterness or unforgiveness towards anyone. My anger about someone else’s actions doesn’t bring about anything good. It doesn’t bring about righteousness in someone else and it certainly doesn’t bring about righteousness in me.
I find it interesting that Christians, those who are supposed to understand love and forgiveness the most (because they have been loved and forgiven much), often negate love and forgiveness in favor of promoting righteousness, holding others accountable, defending the Faith, skepticism, cynicism and whatever else. But the New Testament is clear about love. That without love, it’s just a bunch of noise (I Cor. 13). And the New Testament is clear about forgiveness. That you have to do it, regardless of what you think, and that God doesn’t really want much from you if you can’t forgive first (Mark 11:25). Even further, Christians should understand grace and mercy the most, yet when we enforce our anger against another person for their perceived lack of righteousness, we are furthest from grace and mercy. In truth, we end up going right back to the Law when we don’t practice grace and mercy, ultimately overlooking the grace and mercy shown to ALL of us on Calvary.
Lately I have been thinking about vengeance and salvation. They both belong to God (Lev. 19:18, Rev. 7:10). What that means is, it’s not my job to bring either of those things about in my life or other peoples’ lives. Yes, I preach the Good News, I give, I forgive, I heal… but that’s just me doing my part. In the end, God is the one who avenges and God is the one who saves. And while I do have my part, “my part” does NOT include being angry, being critical, unforgiveness or manipulation.
Anyways, I just needed to get this out really. I hope you’re well!
