via TJC
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. You will be faithful to Jacob, and show love to Abraham, as you pledged an oath to our ancestors in days long ago.
Micah 7:18-20
I am not an angry man but I must admit that intentional disrespect strikes right at my heart. Accidents are one thing but if any of my sons does something they KNOW is wrong, especially when I just spoke to them about it, my brain switches to “righteous wrath” in an instant. I would reign down fire to show my anger if I could.
Then I pause.
They are just kids, my kids, and I cannot stay angry at them for any length of time.
I have to grit my teeth and clench my fist so I do not react with the initial anger since I have learned that the boys do not grow through fear but by example. I want to show them and teach them why what they did was so hurtful, not make them hate me or fear me. As I was reading the passage above I was brought back to those moments and it helped me see through God’s eyes. Our God pardons us, his selfish, boundary-pushing children every time we ask! How amazing is that! He can never stay angry at us and chooses to use mercy as a tool of correction instead of fear or anger.
Daily Battle Order:
Today, reflect on how you respond to people who hurt you and ask God for two things. First, forgiveness for your overreactions. Second, to help temper your future responses with compassion. Forgive them and be an example of the love that God has shown you.
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