Can you say, “ANGRY?” Yes that is what I am right about now. My sister always borrows my clothes, but that is not why I am mad. It is the mere fact that every time she takes a piece of my wardrobe, it ends up living on her bedroom floor. Let me give you a quick visual of her room, clothes all over the floor, no sight of carpet, and a dresser that throws up shirts and underwear.
Is the relationship worth these clothes?
Sometimes, ok let’s get real, most of the time, my behavior toward my sister says yes to this question. I storm in her room usually because I am mad that I cannot find my white long sleeve shirt or my favorite thrift store t-shirt. In my fit of anger, the tone of my voice usually does not sound too sweet, if you get what I’m saying.
It may not be a sister who borrows clothes and ends up trashing or keeping your prized possessions, but someone out there probably tees you off. A friend who likes to talk about you behind your back, a co-worker who bosses you around, or a parent who always tells you in some indirect way that what you do is not good enough, there are always going to be people who make you mad or rub you the wrong way.
As Christians, the question we need to ask ourselves is how would Jesus respond to people who hurt us or make us angry? You want to know what the Creator of the Universe says about this matter. Let me share these words of wisdom with you, and hopefully we will both take truth to heart.
Jesus says in Matthew 5:39-45, “But I say, don’t resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too. If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.” Is God talking right to me? Michelle, if she borrows one of your favorite shirts, then let your sister borrow your next favorite shirt too! Oh Lord, do YOU know what you are asking? He knows, and I understand, unfortunately. He asks humans to do something that seems humanly impossible.
Jesus asks us to give more. He continues, “If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.” There is truth like heartburn to my heart. Just this morning I read these words in my One Year Bible, and tonight I get angry at my sister and demand all my clothes back to the rightful owner, me. I am sorry I did not take truth to heart earlier on in the day.
“You have heard that the law of Moses says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven,” says Jesus.
Jesus teaches us three main points. One, when someone demands, then give them twice as much as they demand. Two, forgive those you consider your enemies and love them by serving them. Three, pray for those who are your enemies and pray for the strength to serve and love them because it is humanly impossible, but God makes it possible.
Written by: Michelle Davis; copyright virtuousreality.com
