Have you ever had someone in your life who was so angry and bitter than just being in the room with them made you feel discouraged? They gritted their teeth at your when you were doing everything in your power to be kind to them. They never smiled. It takes every ounce of strength you have not to give in to the temptation to be angry back at them. You are angry with them for being angry. You want to cry or scream, and you aren't sure which. You think you would be better off without them, but you are committed to being strong for them in their struggles. It's difficult, isn't it? I think we may have all experienced this at some point in our lives. Dealing with his type of situation is a test of our own character, and our own commitment to trust God in total dependence on Him.
We must look at what the Bible says to see what God says about our situation, what He is teaching us, and how He will strengthen us.
Ezekiel 2:6-8 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
6 “But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words, though briers and thorns are beside you and you live among scorpions. Don’t be afraid of their words or be discouraged by the look on their faces, for they are a rebellious house. 7 But speak My words to them whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious. 8 “And you, son of man, listen to what I tell you: Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.”
We must realize that their anger and bitterness is rebellion against God. Even though we live among them, or even with them, we can not become rebellious also. Our responsibility is to speak God's words to them. But we must speak words with God's Spirit. Our words must not be spoken as falsely being God's words when the words are our own words, spoken with frustration. We must be careful to speak from words chosen prayerfully, and not react with emotional words that come from our human responses. God has allowed you (and me) to be in those circumstances for a purpose. We can either allow Him to use us to speak words of encouragement, or we can join the rebellious with our own rebellion.
Luke 18:1 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
18 He then told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not become discouraged:
Prayer gives us the strength to avoid discouragement. We pray that God will guide us. Sometimes we may want to pray that this person would not be a part of our lives, but that is wrong. We may not understand the purpose, but that person is with us for a purpose. Perhaps we are the one who can offer them encouragement to overcome their anger or bitterness. Maybe they are suffering from an illness and we can help them find medical treatment that will help them. Whatever our purpose might be, we need to ask God to show us what we need to do to help the person. Perhaps that person's bitterness will teach us something about ourselves that will bring us closer to God. Maybe we will learn something about God that we didn't understand before.
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
14 And we exhort you, brothers: warn those who are irresponsible, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.
Maybe the person who makes you feel discouraged is discouraged. The anger and bitterness that person shows toward you is an expression of their own discouragement. Comfort them. Don't treat them like they treat you. Let God use you to repay evil with good.
Romans 15:4-5 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
4 For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures. 5 Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement allow you to live in harmony with one another, according to the command of Christ Jesus,
We must turn to the scripture to find encouragement. We can live in harmony with one another because the words of scripture instruct us, give us encouragement, and help us endure whatever the circumstances.
Is any of this easy? Absolutely not, especially when the one who is angry and bitter is part of your immediate family, someone you share a home with. You face the temptation to fall into discouragement multiple times per day. But God is faithful to use us to speak words of encouragement, to help the person obtain treatment, to live together in harmony. Will we give in to temptation or Trust in Him?
Honestly, you may not feel like following the instructions we see in scripture. Sometimes I don't either. Maybe even more times than not, I give in to the temptation. I just want to not to have to deal with the situation any more. I pray that God will help me be strong in that temptation, and that you will also find strength in Him. I pray that God will work in the life of my family member.
Pray that God will strengthen you and encourage your family member.
No comments:
Post a Comment