Pay Back

Don’t ever say, “I’ll pay them back for what they did to me!” Wait for the Lord. He will make things right. (Proverbs 20:22, Easy-to-Read Version)

 

I hate to admit this, but my default setting when I am hurt by someone; is to strike back (like a poisonous Cobra snake) until the recipient that caused me discomfort is in as much emotional pain as I am in at that the moment. It takes divine supernatural intervention to stop this process of my destruction.

 

Giving up my ability to be judge and jury of someone who has hurt me over to God, also means I give up the ability to be present for God’s verdict (and reprimand) when it occurs. I may never be aware of the time and place this happens in my heavenly Father’s timing. Deep inside me, I want to be at peace with this divine alternative.

 

Below are some common sense ways from the scripture that we can all benefit from in dealing with anger:

Ephesians 4:26, Living Bible-If you are angry, don’t sin by nursing your grudge. Don’t let the sun go down with you still angry—get over it quickly.

 

James 1:19, The Voice-Listen, open your ears, harness your desire to speak, and don’t get worked up into a rage so easily, my brothers and sisters.

 

Luke 6:37-38, The Message-Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, [and] criticize their faults unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting is the way. Generosity begets generosity. 

Proverbs 14:29, Easy-to-Read Version- A patient person is very smart. A quick-tempered person makes stupid mistakes.

 

Proverbs 15:1, International Children’s Bible- A gentle answer will calm a person’s anger. But an unkind answer will cause more anger.

 

Romans 12:21, The Voice- Never let evil get the best of you; instead, overpower evil with the good.

 As you read the above verses, here is the combined take-home message I am getting from all of them (in just a few sentences). Anger (mixed with unforgiveness and judgment towards others) can have devastating effects on the person experiencing anger if it is not dealt with immediately. An angry person makes stupid mistakes as their anger is made worse with additional angry words (from other people). This person needs to regularly overcome the angry part of their life with acts of goodness (they choose). 

To conclude this post, here is a prayer to God by Evangelist Joyce Meyer that might be useful in moments like this: “God, please help me. I know being upset is not going to get me anywhere. This person hurt my feelings and that was wrong, but I’m not going to act on this. With Your grace and strength, I’m going to control myself, and I’m going to trust You to take care of the situation.”