Becoming Joy

But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.  Ephesians 4:20-24 NASB

God, I don’t want my anger at the chaotic world to divide, distract, or discredit my ability to show Your love to others. Teach me any areas where my anger has become a sore, and help me be known instead for my love and gentleness. In Jesus’ name, amen.  

Because here’s the thing about anger: It often convinces us we’re right. And if think we’re right, that means we think they’re wrong. And if they’re wrong, then we win. And that muddy sense of winning—being on the right side or praising ourselves for our good behavior—really fuels our pride.

And like God tells us many times, pride always goes before destruction. 

Proverbs 16:18 NIV Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

So how do we respond in an outrage economy? How do we live as unoffendable people in a culture that profits and thrives on offense? 

Read the Bible!  Every single day read the living word of God! 

James 1:21 NIV Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the Word planted in you, which can save you.

Humbly accepting and living from the Word of God gives us the peace and the power to be different from the world. But it’s not just knowing Scripture—it’s doing what it says. 

Romans 12:18-20 NLT Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, I will take revenge; I will pay them back, says the Lord. Instead, If your enemies are hungry, feed them they are thirsty, give them something to drink. 

Matthew 5:39 TPT However, I say to you, don’t repay an evil act with another evil act. But whoever insults you by slapping you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well.

When men and women are led by Holy Spirit and the wisdom that comes from an honest relationship with Him, we will seek peace that accords with the gospel, we will exude the joy of the Lord! More simply still, true peace grows from the seeds of the gospel. In other words, with holiness, peaceableness, gentleness, firm conviction matched with an open ear, Christian peacemakers (which should be a redundant statement) will act with mercy, impartiality, and sincerity. The result of such actions will restore broken relationships and model for others a kind of life that is bent on making not breaking peace.

May we continue diligently making peace not breaking peace. 

Take a moment - any one of the many in your day - and pray, welcome Jesus into your heart, realize He is the cornerstone, our solid rock on which we stand - He offers strength fortitude correction compassion mercy - His heart for unity among God’s people pours into us when we surrender to His plans, He gives us true purpose - teaches us peacemaking that can only come from someone who believes the gospel and is empowered by Holy Spirit to walk in accordance with the gospel. Let us thank God because in truth, the gospel produces many more results in those who truly believe, but peacemaking should be sought as one of the most visible attributes of Christ to non-believers.

Praying about this weeks sermon and reading the Bible with Holy Spirit …. the absolute need for Jesus we have was quickly pouring over me ….. a timely reminder - thank You God, we get to be in a Christ-centered community - a global family of believers from all nations, celebrating the Christmas season together.