See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. -1Th 5:15-18 This is so hard to obey when your emotions run high and you have been wounded by decisions or events and people you don't even know who seem to have a say over that which you can and cannot do in your own personal life. You feel violated, wronged. Something of value has been stolen from you. Could this something be your pride?
Pride and revenge were two of the toughest human attributes to overcome or to tame as Jesus taught His disciples and His followers and He led [by example]. Add to this an "acid tongue" and we we have the ingredients from which James, the half brother of Jesus, wrote about and Paul preached; For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, Who Committed No Sin, Nor Was Any Deceit Found In His Mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "My Son, Do Not Regard Lightly The Discipline Of The Lord, Nor Faint When You Are Reproved By Him; For Those Whom The Lord Loves He Disciplines, And He Scourges Every Son Whom He Receives."-1Pe 2:21-23, Heb 12:3-6
Have you considered that the Lord Himself may be trying to get your attention, as a good Father might? That His Holy discipline is often unpleasant, sometimes painful, and certainly is well out of your control to overcome on your own. His exercise of YOUR spiritual muscles will be good for you, but you will be very sore for a while afterward.
Go to prayer. Ask your Father in heaven to show you any error or sin that may be the cause of this affliction. He knows you better than you know yourself. There is no hiding place in you out of His view. Plead with Him to reveal to you a door in scripture where you may see clearly a pathway to repent and turn away from that which is sinful in His eyes. Be persistent. Pray without ceasing. Keep on praying with your whole soul and watch Him answer you in a manner where there will be no doubt that it is the Lord Himself responding. Turn away and repent of that which He will show you. Watch how quickly Almighty God will forgive you and welcome you back into the sheep-fold. What a Great Shepherd He is, Beloved! Always Chase After That Which Is Good! Know that God will always chastise those whom He loves. He is a good Father!
HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?
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