RESPONDING TO DISAPPOINTMENTS

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath,
for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 
(Romans 12:19)

MEDITATION: 
It’s inevitable, isn’t it?
As we live out our lives on earth, we will encounter times 
when others cause disappointment, hurt, or anger in us.
The question we have to ask ourselves is, “How do I respond when it happens?”

Without a doubt, Satan wants to stir and ignite our natural reactions.
And when he is successful, we will find ourselves filled 
with things like resentment, revenge and grudges.
If we succumb to these types of responses, they will grow over time.

If we continue in this rut, we can allow ourselves to become 
more disgusted with the person, than we are with their actions.
Our failure to adopt the mindset of Jesus can cause us 
to constantly look for the bad in others, rather than their goodness.

As we internalize our feelings, we can become obsessed with resentment 
and fail to appreciate the goodness in others.
Additionally, we can focus on their faults and overlook our own sins.
Jesus warns us of this potential.
How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye’, 
when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? (Matthew 7:4)

Although we might not realize it, our feelings of resentment, 
anger and revenge can affect our own prayer life, 
and our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive 
them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25)

The scriptures tell us to develop a mindset like Jesus, 
(the One we worship and follow).
In your relationships with one another, 
have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:5)

How did He respond to the actions of others that adversely impacted Him?
Even as His life was being drained out of Him on the cross, 
He not only forgave them for crucifying Him, 
but He also asked God to forgive them as well.
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” 
And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (Luke 23:34)

In his letter to the Romans, Paul tells them (and us) that we are to 
allow God to complete His work, and not attempt to usurp His authority.  
It is a reminder of what God said when He spoke to Moses.
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, 
but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:18)

ACTION:
The scriptures are clear about how we should we respond to the actions of others.
We are to love them, forgive them, and allow God to take corrective action.
When we fail to follow these instructions, 
we can exacerbate an already bad situation.

However, when we obey the Lord, we benefit by becoming stronger 
in some very important areas of our lives and attitudes.
We learn to love deeper, forgive greater, and pray more compassionately.
We also discover the value of encouraging others when they are struggling.  

When others offend you in some way, do you forgive them?
Do you also pray and ask God to forgive them?
That’s what Jesus did.
If you allow Satan to ‘have his way’ in your life, 
then you will miss out on an opportunity 
to grow spiritually as you develop a mindset similar to Jesus.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, forgive me for failing to forgive others, and for 
getting in the way of the work You are doing in the lives of others.
When others treat me unfairly, teach me to respond as Jesus would. 
Help me to realize that difficult and disappointing situations are 
opportunities for me to experience spiritual growth, if I respond
according to Your instructions.”

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