Forsake Wrath

By Billie Duty

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret--it only causes harm. (Psalm 37:8)

Paul wrote similar words in the New Testament:

"Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. (Ephesians 4:26-27)

We must be careful how we react to a situation so that we do not give in to what the devil wants. 

A while back I was in placed in a very shattering situation. I have always thought that my faith was so strong that I could/would never leave God.  The attitude I had reminds me of Peter who said that he would never deny Christ.  Before the night was over He had denied our Lord three times. (Matt. 26:31-35; Mark 14:27-31; Luke 22:31-34; and John 13:36-38).

I became very very angry.  I began plotting a way to get revenge. I became bitter and resentful of anyone who was connected in any way to my problem, even if they were not really involved. I was on my way to hating others. I was ashamed of my feelings and thoughts because they were against everything God teaches us.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:14-20)

Our Lord knows how we will feel in these trying situations.

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

He also tells us how to handle ourselves when we are hurt by other people.

"You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven;

For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?

Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)

We destroy ourselves when we are angry to the point of revenge. We also mar our relationship with God. When we are seeking to hurt others, we are not letting our lights shine for the glory of God (Matt. 5:14-16).  We are sinning and our place will be with the wicked if we do not repent from our ways and turn back to God. (Acts 8:22)

I learned many lessons through this trying time in my life. My faith is stronger because of the trial I went through.  I could not have made it through it without God. (James 1:2-3; 1 Pet. 1:6-9)

It was through the help of my brothers and sisters in Christ and by the strength of God that I overcame this ordeal. I constantly remind myself now...

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

(Philippians 4:13)

 ISBS Ladies Daily Devotional
12/28/04