The Way of Peace

"For God so loved an angry, volatile world that He showed it peace and mercy they did not deserve."

THERE IS NO PLACE in the mind and the heart of a child of God for anger. Even anger at the devil is misplaced and instead plays into his hands. God is a God of peace. He is never angry but sent Jesus to heal human hearts so that He could show mercy. He went to His utmost to give us His peace, even sending His Spirit to be with us so that we have no excuse.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:26-27)

Being angry should be eye-opening. We should see that we are angry and seek God within us to live free of it. Anger allowed to remain becomes our default, a strong place of incorrect responses that hurt other people through our words (2 Corinthians 10:4). We spit hate, or mock others. We criticize and complain. In worst case scenarios, we act out. What the devil rejoices in becomes our usual behavior, and we look nothing like Jesus.

"But Jesus got angry."

This is a constant response from people in the church, also talk about war and battles and even spiritual armor. But our battles are not with people. This is clearly stated in the Word. And our battles with the devil and demons, listed in these same verses, must be done in the Spirit, led of Him. Plus, news flash: If you're walking with Him, then anger will not be in you. I assure you.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Jesus is not angry. We picture Him as the Lion of Judah, warlike. But He is the Lamb of God. He faced death on the cross in complete supernatural peace. Though His body raged, His mind was at rest. He told His disciples this before His arrest. His struggle in the Garden was over Judas and those who would accuse Him, and He accepted the Father's will there (Mark 14:36).

He has no reason now to be angry but is instead the Prince of Peace and the joy of our soul which gives us strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

Stop looking for a reason to remain angry and commit yourself instead to the Holy Spirit to follow Him in the way of peace. Ask Him to give you the love of God for men and women on a higher level than you know it. There is greater glory in showing love, and we will find such benefits of peace in it. For God so loved an angry, volatile world that He showed it peace and mercy they did not deserve. Mercy is God's vengeance. Mercy is the point of all He is and all He works in us. What we did not deserve He will pour out through us into the lives of those around us.

For one reason: I am grieved when the church speaks of "making disciples" or "increasing church numbers" instead of carrying God's heart. I'm saddened by sermons that show judgment and not compassion and UNITY. God is three persons in complete UNITY. They love to such an extent that They never separate. Not for any reason. They are our example of marriage and friendships. While we try to always keep something of us to ourselves and often apply this thinking to our relationship with God, what He wants is our complete being. Our spirit man, to be made brand new; our soul (mind, will, and emotions), to emulate Him entirely; and our bodies, that even when we live and move and have being it is guided by Him. He should be in control 100%.

Our anger is a sign that He is not. But good news! What Jesus did was show us it can be done, and that it is wonderful freedom. Where wrath and irate thinking damage our moments, the peace of God restores them and keeps us walking well in the goodness and mercy of God which follow us everywhere. I'd hate to think I'd left them behind to blow up at someone who Jesus loves. I’d hate to think I’d missed out on seeing God’s beauty in them in order to stare selfishly at myself. What God sees is love, what He feels is love, what He does is love. We are created in Him enabled to do the same.

“Those who live on the level of our lower nature have their outlook formed by it, and that spells death; but those who live on the level of the spirit have the spiritual outlook, and that is life and peace.” (Romans 8:5-6 NEB)

READ "Reactionary."
"He was not offended by those who intended to murder Him."

Image by Chil Vera from Pixabay


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Suzanne D. Williams, Author
www.suzannedwilliams.com
www.feelgoodromance.com