Don't Hurt Others

By Neil T. Anderson w/ Joanne Anderson, "Daily in Christ"

An unhealthy way to respond to emotions is to thoughtlessly let
all hang out, to tell anybody and everybody exactly how you feel. The
apostle Peter is a great example of indiscriminate expression. Peter was
the John Wayne of the New Testament -- a real door slammer. He had no
problem telling anyone what was on his mind or how he felt. I like to
refer to him as the one-legged apostle because he always had one foot in
his mouth.

Peter's impulsive nature got him into trouble more than once. In
one setting, he was the spokesperson for God, and Jesus said to him,
"Blessed are you Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal
this to you, but My father who is in heaven" (Matthew 16:17). Then
moments later he spoke for Satan, and Jesus had to rebuke him: Get behind
Me Satan!" (verses 22-23).

It was Peter who missed the point on the Mount of Transfiguration by
suggesting that they build three tabernacles to honor Moses, Elijah, and
the Master. It was Peter who impulsively whacked off the ear of
Caiaphas' servant during Jesus arrest in Gethsemane. And it was Peter
who promised to follow Jesus anywhere, even to death, then swearing only
hours later that he never knew Him. The fact that Peter became a leader
in the New Testament church is evidence of the powerful transformation
effected by the Holy Spirit.

Indiscriminate expression of emotions may be somewhat healthy for
you, but it may be unhealthy for others. "There, I'm glad I got that off
my chest," you may say after an outburst. But in the process you just
destroyed your wife, your husband, or children. Paul admonished: "Be
angry, and yet do not sin" (Eph. 4:26). If you wish to be angry and not
sin, then be angry the way Christ was: Be angry at sin. He turned over
the tables, not the money changers.

Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for
the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God (James
1:19,20).

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PRAYER: Dear Lord, cultivate my heart and teach me to be humble. Grant
that I shall express myself in a gracious manner so I don't hurt others
as I seek emotional release. Help me to be quick to apologize and seek
forgiveness for my indiscriminate expression and hurting words. Make me
Your instrument of peace and reconciliation as I acknowledge my
indiscretion and fault.


From: jgat@mozcom.com