Anger Leads to Resentment, Which Leads to Bitterness

I enjoyed my 24-hour retreat in Lessburg, Florida with the leadership team for the Five-Day Academy to be held in March. My favorite quote from our discussion was "Anger leads to resentment, which leads to bitterness. So resolve your anger."

Time and again, I see how anger can be so destructive in relationships in family, workplaces, and even churches.

I reflected for a while that the way of Christ is not the way of anger, resentment, and opposition.

It is the way of companionship with those you are willing to bear the cross for.

Divine Presence

"Lord Jesus, our Savior,

let us now come to You.

Our hearts are cold;

Lord, warm them with Your selfless Love.

Our hearts are sinful;

Lord, cleanse them with Your precious Blood.

Our hearts are weak;

Lord, strengthen them with Your joyous Spirit.

Our hearts are empty;

Lord, fill them with your Divine Presence.

Lord Jesus, our hearts are Yours;

possess them always and only for Yourself.

Amen."

St. Augustine of Hippo, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, North Africa (354-430)

Blessed When Times are Tough

Sometimes ministry is not easy. But it's not supposed to be.

I heard a version of a scripture from the Sermon on the Mount that was read at a public service. It caught my ear. It seemed fitting to share with my pastor friends, who get discouraged from time to time by the resistance they encounter.

Actually, it applies to anyone who is on the journey of Christian life. I hope it encourages all of you.

“Count yourself blessed every time someone cuts you down or throws you out, every time someone smears or blackens your name to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and that that person is uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—skip like a lamb, if you like!—for even though they don’t like it, I do . . . and all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company; my preachers and witnesses have always been treated like this."

(Matthew 5:22-23, The Message)