Righteous Indignation?
I am angry. I am hurt. I feel that what has been said to me would make anyone explode in ‘righteous indignation’.
But I can’t let it.
I must become smaller. (To the one who has made me so angry let me explain.)
John the Baptist upon hearing that Jesus was performing baptisms told his followers “He must increase, but I must decrease.” He was acknowledging that he was merely ‘preparing the way’ for the coming of Jesus and now that Jesus had begun his ministry, he (John) must now assume a secondary role. He must become smaller.
Like John the Baptist, I must let He who lives in me handle this. For I am not righteous, I am far from it. I am a sinner. I have sinned in response to what was said for I did not turn the other cheek in forgiveness. I have sinned because I did not continue to embrace, hold or regard this person in unconditional love but instead wanted to turn away from them because I felt I deserved more love and respect than what was being given me.
I sinned. I let my emotions and my pride get in the way of Christ who lives within me. Had I become smaller, Christ would have spoken for me. As he did when speaking to the rich young man in Mark 10:21; ‘Then Jesus beholding him loved him . . .’ Christ would have loved her. Then he would have forgiven her for the hardened heart that she carries within her. He would have pulled her closer rather than pushing her away and she would have felt the pure and unconditional love of one who would and in fact already, has died for us.
Father, forgive me for my anger, forgive me for my lack of compassion and understanding. Please give me the strength to show love to those who seem to be unable to show love for others. Please Lord, give me the compassionate heart that I will continue to pray that she will someday come to know you and feel first-hand your never ending and unconditional love.
Perhaps through your love, she will be able love others and give of herself to others with a kind and generous heart.
But as for my ‘righteous indignation’ . . . It will just have to go. It will have to diminish, to become smaller.
For I am a child of God who is attempting to follow the example of Jesus Christ.
I love you ‘LTK’.