BITTER or BETTER?

 

JUNE 9, 2023

Matthew 10:2-3

2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

John 13:34-35

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

In this life, there will always be something to be offended about. Don’t you find that to be the reality? Whether it’s a contentious news headline, a differing opinion, a minor traffic incident, or a yielding in a construction zone, we will have no shortage of reasons to take offense each day.

I saw a post a few weeks ago that said

Think about the last time you took offense at something. Did it make your life better? Or did it make you bitter?

Here’s the thing that the Bible teaches: A heart filled with anger won’t produce a life filled with peace.

Truth is there have always been reasons to take offense, and Jesus’ disciples were no exception.

Think about what the Gospels tells us. Jesus chose 12 disciples from wildly different backgrounds, professions, and political views, and they demonstrated love to one another. Sure, they had their disagreements, like when they argued about who would be the greatest or most important, who would sit in the places of honor in Jesus coming kingdom, but they stayed unified around their mission despite their differing opinions.

Matthew even points out the differences, when he describes Jesus calling of the disciples. He makes sure to note his own occupation as a tax collector and calls Simon “the Zealot.”

Simon, as a Zealot, would have been part of a group that desperately wanted to overthrow the Roman government. Meanwhile, Matthew worked for the government. Despite those very different positions, these men were friends. They served together. They ate together. They did life together.

We can learn from their example. We don’t have to agree on everything to be loving. And choosing to put aside our differences allows us to make a difference.

So, what grudges do you need to let go of?

What offenses do you need to lay down?

What anger can you release?

Every minute spent being angry is a minute of joy and peace we lose. So, it’s time to surrender.

LET US PRAY

God, help me see others the way You do. Reveal to me any offenses or anger I need to release and help me surrender them fully to You. I don’t want to carry offense, anger, rage, or bitterness anymore. Instead, fill me with more of Your joy, peace, and love. In Jesus’ name, amen.