You Want Me to Do What?

A psalm written by the men in our addiction treatment program.

You Want Me To Do What?

How does God call us to treat one another…even the people we can’t get along with…maybe even people who mistreat us…or people who have abused us?  

Our first reaction is to lash out at those that hurt us – that’s what our fleshly desires call us to do.  But the disciple James tells us that the tongue is like a fire or poison.  It corrupts the whole person and sets the whole course of his life on fire.  It is a restless evil, full of poison. 

And the apostle Paul continues, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

So many times in active addiction we were full of anger and shame.  We blamed others when we should have taken responsibility.  Our tongues and minds told lies, destroyed relationships, created further problems that estranged us from friends and family. 

But did you hear what Paul says: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

God’s forgiveness and grace is far bigger than our sins when we repent and follow His commandments.

Jesus says turn the other cheek.  If someone takes your shirt, give him your coat.  Matthew 5: 39-44.

The Bible does not say we are to be a doormat for people. Life on the street pushes us one way, in the way of the world.  But to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, He calls us to be different, to be set apart.  To adopt new ways of living and dealing with the world.

Reflecting on James 3: 6-8; Ephesians 4: 29-32.

Our prayer: 

Remember that God always loves you and His grace is unlimited.  May you repent and be forgiven.  May the shame of your sins go away.  May you accept God’s forgiveness and His peace.  Amen.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.  Matthew 7: 12