So I have been playing host to my sister-in-law and her three kids off and on for a few weeks now. I don't mind because they are well-behaved and a real credit to their mother, who is very respectful of my home and helps around the house. The reason she has to come here has me a bit steamed, but with a lot of prayer and a few Scriptures (and lots and lots of Holy Spirit), I have been able to keep my calm and help her and her kids endure.
I was extremely upset about this situation a few days ago. So I thought, "I'll show everyone and find Scriptures that tell everyone how right I am to be upset and how the other people's conduct is wrong and disrespectful to Jehovah." I took a moment and prayed that I would have guidance to not only find the appropriate scriptures that I needed but to also have the proper words to express how I feel. Well, my prayer was answered, but not in the way I expected. Here's what I came across, in the order I came across them:
- If you behold a brother having need, and have the means to do so, you should help them (1 John 3:17).
- John was accused of taking advantage of others unjustly, though he didn't (2 Corinthians 12: 14-18). Then there is Romans 12:2, which tells us to quit being fashioned after this system of things. Oh, and don't forget verse 13, which tells us to "follow the course of hospitality." This tells me that, as a Christian, it is important for my brother to help these people, and it is important for me to help his wife and kids. I really don't know the other guests' side of things, and perhaps I am accusing them unjustly in my heart.
- Romans 12 is a very good chapter for this situation. It also tells me in verse 14 to "…be blessing and do not be cursing." Verse 17 states that we should "return evil to no one." 18 states, "as far as it depends upon you, be peaceable with all men." Wait, wait…it gets better….Verse 19 reminds me that "do not avenge yourselves, beloved…vengeance is mine, says Jehovah." 20-21 speaks of helping even your enemy, and that your deeds will be as coals upon his head (I liked that one, I get to be nice and it bothers those I have an issue with), with 21 finishing with not allowing myself to be conquered by evil.
Ok, so I was overreacting to the situation. I should leave this in Jehovah's hands and he will resolve it as He sees fit. What about me, though? This is affecting my family. Should I not speak with my brother (both spiritual and fleshly) and discuss the situation with him? Doesn't Matthew 18:15 tell me to "lay bare his fault between you and him alone?" Yup, and Jehovah has that one covered, too. Romans to the rescue again! "Let us pursue the things making for peace," (Romans 14:19). Matthew 6:3-4 also helps, "But you, when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, that your gifts of mercy may be in secret; then your Father who is looking on in secret will repay you."
So I have calmed down. I have decided to continue pursuing peace, return evil to no one, follow the course of hospitality, helping a spiritual sister in need, and keep my mouth shut. Jehovah knows what my family and I are doing. I am not doing it for a reward from Him, but it is nice to remember that He is aware of the situation and will resolve it properly in the long run.
That's what I get for looking to the Bible to justify my anger: an adjustment in attitude. I am glad for it, though. Yeah, I would have felt better if I found what my emotions wanted, but I am better for allowing Jehovah to direct my search, and being open to His influence and thoughts on the matter.
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