Sour Apple

Sour Apple

 

 

So I think it’s safe to assume that as human beings, we’ve all had a family member or friend do something or say something that just downright infuriates us.  I’m going to be real here and admit…when people make a mistake I’m not quick to get over it.  In fact, it’s one of the greatest challenges I face.  As I have gone through many experiences of this crippling anger, however, I begin to wonder if it’s really worth it.  When it comes down to it, my anger solves nothing.  Not only does it keep me from the joy God has for me, but it also seeps into the lives of others, pulling them down as well.

Although letting things go is something very difficult to do, I’ve found that holding onto them is actually a lot more painful.  The process of releasing your anger and forgiving has an end, whereas resentment and bitterness can tear you apart until there’s nothing left but a “sour apple.”  We’ve all met that person, the one who manages to pick out every single negative thing in life.  As I examine my own life, I see the risk of getting to that point.  Now I’m not there yet, but even if I was…there is always time to turn it all around. As you read on, I encourage you to examine your own life and come alongside me in a challenge to rid yourself of the “sourness.”

The truth: Anger can destroy you.

For man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:20

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.  Psalm 37:8

A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly. Proverbs 14:29

Yikes, these are only a couple of the many verses I found on this topic.  I’m going to go ahead and conclude that anger is something that must NOT be disregarded.  It has the potential to lead one into bad behavior and sin.  Not only that, but the choice to be angry is a deliberate decision to go against the righteous will God has for our lives.

The truth: Judgment and correction are taken care of by God.

Romans 14:10-12 (MSG):

So where does that leave you when you criticize a brother? And where does that leave you when you condescend to a sister? I’d say it leaves you looking pretty silly—or worse. Eventually, we’re all going to end up kneeling side by side in the place of judgment, facing God. Your critical and condescending ways aren’t going to improve your position there one bit. Read it for yourself in Scripture:

“As I live and breathe,” God says,
“every knee will bow before me;
Every tongue will tell the honest truth
that I and only I am God.”

So tend to your knitting. You’ve got your hands full just taking care of your own life before God.

So in the end, those who have hurt you are accountable for what they did.  Leave it to God to judge them, because it’s not our responsibility to “punish” the ones who hurt us.  Another point to take note of in this scripture is the statement that “all will face judgment.”  Ironically, we often try to attack those who have harmed us, when our anger towards them is also sinful (and will be judged by God) (Matthew 5:22.)  In a sense, doesn’t that make us just as guilty? Just a thought…

The truth: A constant attitude of forgiveness affects every aspect of life. 

Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you. Proverbs 20:22

Just as anger/resentment can infect each element of your life, an attitude of forgiveness has the power to refresh and restore.  There’s a freedom that comes along with the decision to forgive, and this deliverance opens a door to whatever God may have in store for your life. When I think about it, there are probably several opportunities of spiritual growth I’ve missed simply because of sulking in my own bitterness. Anger is such a hindrance to growth, and its tight grip can pull us away from God’s plan. When it comes down to it, we can do one of two things: allow the grip of anger and bitterness to dictate our lives; or let it go and move forward.

What will you choose?

-Tamara