Grow up...and let go

"If I really was created in God’s image
then when God was a boy
he wanted to grow up to be a man
a good man
and when God was a man
a good man
He started telling the truth in order to get honest responses.
He’d say,
'I know.
I really shoulda wore my cross
again
but I don’t wanna scare the gentiles off.'”
~Excerpt from Buddy Wakefield's poem Hurling Crowbirds at Mocking Bars~

This poem first of all, if you have never heard it, is incredible. Its also how you could describe the last six months. The journey from boy to man isn't easy, nor is it particularly fun. Situations arise that leave you bitter, angry, etc. the truth is, if we continue to live with bitterness towards a situation, a person, an establishment...we will simply set ourselves up for more pain and anguish than necessary.

I promise you it will drag you down to a place that you will not want to spend any time in. I am going to make a bold statement that many people won't like...

I personally believe that someone cannot call themselves a man or woman of God and live with bitterness.

Granted, I am not saying that being angry is bad. There are times when that is our only response. BUT...look at what Paul says in Ephesians 4. This entire chapter deals with the way that as Christians we are to interact with each other. In first half (v.1-16) Paul is primarily urging those that are in the body of Christ to be united, no matter what comes up as a reflection of what Christ has done for us. The second half (v. 17-32) Paul is saying that we need to not live how we used to, our lives should be a reflection of the Grace that is now within us. This being said, Look at v.26-27.

26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil.

We are allowed to have a righteous anger in light on injustice, thats it. No other excues can be made for being filled with such rage that things get thrown, people hurt, or individuals are dehumanized by the things you say.

Recently I went and talked to someone who severely hurt me. I am not innocent in it, i had hurt them as well. I hadnt seen or talked to this person for at least six months. I had let bitterness take over and was beyond miserable. Everyday waking up with regret and anger towards them. The voice of the Lord became less, and less apparent to me...

I finially went and talked to this person, which as you can imagine was extremely awkward. Through our conversation that day I found out that they were not angry at me, the conversation was pleasent, we forgave each other, and began the process of reconciliation.

That day, was the first in a long time that I felt joyful. The bitterness was gone. The anger was gone. I dealt with what was in the way, and saw His plan again.

What is holding you back from letting go? What is your bitterness or anger going to accomoplish?

Go under the Mercy, Sleep under the protection.