Release and be Released

In our interactions with people, it is often the case that our expectations are not met. We expect them to be more understanding, pay more attention, be more flexible, talk more, talk less, be discreet, be open, be more direct, be more caring – all kinds of expectations. Usually, the closer the relationship, the more these expectations are amplified and the resentment magnified when they are not met.

The other day, I carried resentment in my heart for more than a day. All kinds of thoughts filled my mind. To the point when I started actually getting a headache and even felt the load on my shoulders. It got to the point, where the next morning, I decided I’m not going to carry that in my heart. I decided in that moment to trust God with that relationship, and not try to defend myself. I knew there were things that I needed to change. So I decided to focus on that. And continue to walk in love. As soon as I decided to do that, I actually felt that weight lift off my shoulders and my thoughts started getting clearer and my head less heavy.

I realized that holding on to resentment and bitterness can actually be a time-consuming, energy-consuming undertaking, taking up space in our mind that can crowd out the important things – even our responsibilities. This is how Paul put it,

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:26-27

We immediately notice here that getting angry isn’t a sin. In fact, anger can be a healthy emotion when used rightly to register our protest and to feel injustice. But we can sin in our anger. How? By letting it lead to bitterness, resentment and even rage. Speaking here in the context of being renewed by Christ and empowered by His Spirit (Eph 4:25), Paul writes this fully aware that our anger and resentment is actually a spiritual activity as well. It can lead to giving “the devil a foothold”. Anger, if not correctly managed, can open the door for the devil to sway us away from the Christ-like life. It can lead us to compromise in areas in order to promote ourselves, defend ourselves, or even to seek revenge. It can lead us to see people as less than humans created in God’s image and people who need to be crushed and coerced into submission.

This is probably why Jesus said

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister, will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. Matthew 5:21-22

I used to wonder how calling someone “you fool” would attract such a heavy punishment as hell fire. The word Raca is the present-day equivalent of “stupid”, or “idiot”. Anger can be blinding. And in this context, can lead a person to not consider the other, feel like they don’t matter, insignificant and completely cancel them out of their lives because they are viewed as fools. When we don’t recognize or acknowledge the presence of another human being before us, is that mockery towards the One who made them in His own image? This is tough isn’t it? But worth thinking about. Does anger offer us the excuse to cancel people out of our lives, deem them as worthless, and not even look back at them?

Jesus goes on to further add

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24

If you’re like me, I try to forget those people in prayer. I don’t even want to think about the ones who have offended me saying quite glibly, “I’m fine”. But here’s Jesus saying, think about them. Deal with them. Set it straight as much as it is possible with you. Don’t close the door on them.

It maybe more easy to let go of daily irritants like a call not returned, or a comment misplaced. But when the offenses become more personal, they become increasingly difficult. This can be fully achieved only by the grace, love and presence of God. Remember, Jesus on the cross? As he was being unjustly killed, mocked and jeered on, prayed for the ones persecuting him? Unimaginable, how one could do that. Yet, the presence of Jesus is with us, to make that part of our lifestyle today.

Go to Jesus with the resentment, release it, and feel the release. Sometimes it takes a moment, sometimes it takes more time – depending on how deep, personal, and hurtful the offense has been. But choose to bring it out to Jesus. And let him lead you in the midst of the pain – to a life of freedom, healing and release.

Praying that you and I will experience this more in the days to come.

#trust #opendoors #Faith #Lucknow #jesus #church #identity