As Jesus traveled toward Jerusalem, he sent messengers ahead of him to make arrangements for lodging. One day a group of these messengers returned to Jesus and reported that a certain Samaritan village refused to receive him. Immediately James and John angrily asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire upon this village?” Without a moment’s hesitation, Jesus rebuked them. To his rebuke he added these words: “You don’t realize what your hearts are like.”
Obviously, James’ and John’s feelings were not Christ-like. What about our feelings? Do we twenty-first century Christians feel anger, resentment, depression, and irritation? Sure we do! Like James and John, we don’t realize what types of feelings reside in us.
But God does!
In his mercy and kindness, the Lord refuses to allow us to continue living with unchristian feelings lurking in the hidden parts of our hearts. So the Lord purposefully places us in situations that hold potential perfecting power.
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od isn’t angry about the unchristian feelings which hide in our hearts. But he is determined to deliver us from them. So He allowed James and John to face rejection by the Samaritan village. They chose to be angry. However, they could have chosen to renounce and rebuke the anger and stay sweet in their feelings.
In the same way, we all choose the feelings which dominate us, whether bitter or sweet. Since the Spirit of Almighty God dwells within us, we can rebuke and renounce ugly, angry feelings. The God who sees our imperfections faithfully leads us into situations that possess potential perfecting power. The situation may not be pleasant or enjoyable, but we steadfastly refuse to permit unrighteous feelings to overwhelm us.
God desires more than outward conformity to Jesus. He wants the very emotions of Jesus to possess our inner being. Have faith in God. Cry out to him for help, and he will help you keep your feelings sweet no matter how bitter your circumstances may be.
Scriptures referred to: Luke 9:51-56 (Living Bible)
