Lord, today I was angry. When friendship was extended, I responded coolly. I felt justified. After what she had said, I had a right to treat her that way. About whom does she think she is making such condescending statements? I haven’t done anything to deserve her cruel comments.
In the long run my refusal of her friendship will teach her a valuable lesson: Her behavior is unacceptable. I will not reward such dysfunction. After all, her attitude is totally despicable, and it goes against the teachings in Your Word, Lord. I certainly don’t want to enable her.
I’ve settled it once and for all. I am right! No doubt about it. There is no need in my discussing it any more. I am positively…positively…miserable! “Why am I in such unrest, Lord? How is it possible that I can I be right and yet be so wrong?”
In the depths of my soul, I discerned that I also am part of the problem. I am like the prodigal son’s older brother who had a spiritual disease: He was angered by his father’s mercy. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for giving me a much-needed diagnosis: I have sins of the spirit, a spiritual malady, which can render the patient unable to give love.
Many times spiritual manifestations can be masked and difficult to detect. The symptoms include polite coolness towards others, consumed with proving my point, a need to persuade others, and loving my opinions more than people.
But, if we are willing patients, the symptoms only last for a short time. The Holy Spirit gives the biblical antidote, so that the disease does not spread to vital organs.
Memory Verse:
“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.”
– Luke 15:28 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Lord, help me to love as You love today. Thank You for helping me forgive those who have hurt me. Forgive me, Lord, and help me to right my wrong. Life is too short for me to feed this grudge. Bring to my mind someone I need to forgive today, including…”
Contributing Writer:
Dixie Phillips
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