Refrain From Anger, Turn From Wrath
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Judges 15:1-20 and Psalm 37:1-19 (NIV)
(Justin Ong, SGM PCZL)
READ:
Judges 15:3-6 (NIV)
3 Samson said to them, “This time I have a right to get even with the Philistines; I will really harm them.” 4 So he went out and caught three hundred foxes and tied them tail to tail in pairs. He then fastened a torch to every pair of tails, 5 lit the torches and let the foxes loose in the standing grain of the Philistines. He burned up the shocks and standing grain, together with the vineyards and olive groves.
6 When the Philistines asked, “Who did this?” they were told, “Samson, the Timnite’s son-in-law, because his wife was given to his companion.” So the Philistines went up and burned her and her father to death.
Psalm 37:8 (NIV)
8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
OBSERVE:
Judges 15:4-6 described Samson’s anger when he was unjustly treated. That triggered a tit-for-tat attack that led to a horrifying downhill cycle of violence with people murdered, including his wife and father-in-law.
It is a sad truth that much of the conflict and turmoil we see in the world today can be traced back to anger and bitterness. These emotions fuel a desire for revenge and retribution, which often leads to endless cycles of violence and hatred. For example, many of the wars and conflicts in the Middle East can be traced to longstanding grudges and animosities between different groups. Similarly, in African countries such as Rwanda and Sudan, deep-seated resentments have sparked cycles of violence that have lasted for decades. Unless these countries learn to let go of their anger and bitterness, it is unlikely that they will be able to break these cycles and achieve lasting peace.
APPLY:
I am reminded of God’s instructions in Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This verse reminds me to love my enemies. It’s not always easy, but by choosing to turn to God and letting go of my hurt and anger, I can find peace and move forward in a positive way. It is only by relying on the strength that comes from my faith, that I can overcome negative emotions and respond with love and kindness.
DO:
By the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit, I will intentionally put off my old violent and sinful self daily and put on Christ, and love my neighbour as myself. Starting with me, I can end cycles of violence, and bring the peace of God to a hurting world.
PRAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wonderful and amazing saving grace. I surrender my will to Your Lordship every day. Teach me and lead me to be a good disciple worthy of Your calling so that I can love You with all my heart, and love my neighbour as myself. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
