Don’t Let Hatred Control You, No Matter What Others Do

By   •   November 25, 2014   •   Topics:

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“Don’t let hatred control you, no matter what others do that causes [anger]. You would only become guilty of the same sin that afflicts them, and nothing would be solved.” —Billy Graham

 

There’s something that happens in all of us when we feel like we’ve been wronged. The notion of injustice or unfair treatment often causes anger to rise up and before long, thoughts can change from, “How could this happen?” to, “How can I get even?”

Of course, you shouldn’t take evil lightly. Fighting injustice and wrongdoing has its place. But when anger turns into revenge and violence, you’ve headed down the wrong path. The Bible says, “Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming” (Proverbs 27:4). It’s important that you don’t let anger or hatred take root in your soul.

Jesus Himself was subject to injustice. He was betrayed by Judas and sentenced to death despite no evidence against Him. Yet, He stopped any effort of retaliation, saying, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). Rather than bending to anger, Jesus then responded with the ultimate display of love: dying on the cross for the sins of humanity.

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The reality is there will always be problems in this world; there will always be progress to be made. Society does need changing, and some would argue that responsibility rests in the hands of the government and laws of this land.

But the real solution cannot take place until we ourselves change. Injustice is rooted in sin—something we all have within us. And there’s only One who can help us with that: Jesus Christ. To truly be forgiven and set free of sin, you must submit your life completely to Him.

Do you feel wronged? There’s good news: some day, all the injustices of this world will be eliminated when Christ comes again to establish His perfect kingdom of justice and peace. Those who know Him understand and can hang onto this promise.

Rather than retaliating, make it your goal to live for Christ and to love others, as He does, even when it’s much easier to be angry.

Find peace in the midst of hurt and anger.