Never in my lifetime have I seen such vitriol, anger, and accusation flourish within the Body of Christ as it does today. Like a perfect deadly storm, waves of injustice, winds of hatred, and downpours of division slam against us with a ferocity that’s hard to explain. Pastors have shared how, in the wake of all things 2020, everything has become politicized. They cannot win. Someone is always mad at them.
Where will this all take us?
Yes, we know there are injustices to be addressed and wounds to heal. But we’ll never get there while Christians feel justified in their hateful bitterness toward a particular candidate or cause.
Jesus definitely got angry. But He never sinned.
We’ll not weather this storm if we we’re not willing to change.
Scripture is full of admonitions about anger and bitterness…
Psalm 37:8-9 (NLT) ~ Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.
James 1:19-20 (NLT) ~ Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.
Ephesians 4:31-31 (NLT) ~ Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Hebrews 12:14-15 ~ Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
I think, that behind all of the anger, is fear. We’re afraid of what’s to come, of how man’s choices may affect future generations. But our hope isn’t in man. It’s in God Himself; the One who spoke the galaxies into existence and the One who sits on the throne even now. We can trust Him. We must trust Him.
Recently on Susie Larson Live, I spoke with Max Lucado about his book, “You are Never Alone: Trust in the Miracle of God’s Presence and Power.” Max said something that arrested me. He said, “We’ve got to quit focusing on donkeys and elephants and fix our eyes on the Lamb of God.”
Max further writes:
“Don’t try to weather this storm alone. Row the boat and bail the water, but above all bid Christ to enter your sinking craft. Believe that you are never alone, that our miracle-working God sees you, cares about you, and will come to your aid. For all you know He may perform an immediate deliverance. You may reach your destination before you have a chance to wipe the rain off your face.”
We need peace! Jesus—the precious Lamb of God—is our Prince of Peace. We need wisdom. Jesus is our source of wisdom. We need power, intervention, and healing. Jesus is our only way through this. You and I can’t control the crowds or singlehandedly dismantle the mob mentality. But we can address what’s going on in our own hearts.
Vote, yes. Pray fervently. And guard your heart with all diligence, for out of your heart flows what you’ve allowed into your heart. May you find a new way to stand strong in faith, humility, conviction, and courage. And most of all, love, which is the highest order of the day.