Going to God should be our first line of defense

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. ~Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV)

When we are mistreated or offended, its human nature to want to take matters into our own hands.  Ephesians 4:26 is a quote from Psalm 4:4 in which the Lord tells us to watch that we don’t sin when we become angry.  The Message Bible translation is priceless!  It reads “Complain if you must, but don’t lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for His verdict.” (MSG) Oftentimes we go to everybody but the Lord when we are trying to deal with our issues concerning other people.  That is exactly what gives the enemy a foothold.  Think about the last time you complained to the Lord about someone, now think about when you went and complained to another person.  There is a big difference in the outcome.  Going to God should be our first line of defense.  We grieve the Lord when we go to the phone before we go to His throne.  God says bring that hurt to me and I will give you what you need to release it.  I will make things right for you, I will repay, I am the judge, and I am the jury, not you or whoever agrees with you. 

Many times, offenses and resentments with others begin with us and how we feel about ourselves.  So many people in this world have no idea how to appreciate the person that God has created them to be.  So many souls are hurting because every self-thought is negative.  We hear it every day. Believe it or not, people reveal to us every single day what they say to themselves.  But are we listening?  Have you noticed anyone around you saying things like “I could never figure that out” or “I need to lose weight” or even “Nothing good like that ever happens to me!”  Those statements very well could be preceded by thoughts that sound much like “I’m not very smart” or “I’m not pretty enough” or “I better not expect anything good”.  The Holy Spirit is more than willing to help us bring healing to hurting people by revealing to us their wounds, but we are oftentimes more concerned with their actions than we are with how to bring restoration to their lives.  A person’s actions are a result of what they think.  If you are close enough to someone to be able to witness their actions, you are close enough to someone to help them to change what they believe about themselves and others and even God.  We need to inspire others to walk in forgiveness and love.  It has been said that unforgiveness is like drinking poison hoping someone else will die.  Don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit inside you by not walking in love.  Remind yourself of God’s words in Galatians 6:1-2 “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (NIV) Keep in mind Jesus' response to those who were doing wrong.  He said, "Father forgive them".  When was the last time you made that your petition to God or inspired a friend to do that?

He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends. ~Proverbs 17:9 (AMP)

Who or what are you complaining about today?

• Write an answer
• Write an answer