Facts of the Matter

(Prov. 16:32)

Only hours after roughing out this material, I found myself irritated with an individual over a petty infraction of my "rights." So I am unqualified to write on the subject!

In our sophisticated society, patience is often mistaken for indecision or weakness, while power and action are given respect.

God, however is not impressed with our power, but holds patience in high regard patience being the product of humility.

If you (like me) tend to be the impatient type, (I have an excuse: Im an ex-Marine) here are seven guidelines from Scripture that may prove helpful (except of course in the case cited above):

: "A man’s wisdom gives him

(Prov. 19:11) (See Prov. 10:12;17:9)

"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." (Jms. 1:19b, 20) (See Prov. 12:16; 17:27, 28; 18:13; 29:22; I Cor. 9:25; Titus 1:8;2:2)

(Prov. 10:19) (See Ecc. 5:3; 10:13,14; Jms. 3:2; Psa. 39:1; 141:3)

"Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." (Prov. 17:14) (See Prov. 26:17, 21)

"Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered." (Prov. 22:24) (See Prov. 14:16; 17:14; 20:3; 29:22)

(Prov. 13:10) (See Psa.147:6; Prov.16:18; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; Rom. 12:3; 1Pet. 3:4;5:5)

(Prov. 10:12) (See Prov. 17:9; 24:29; Matt. 5:43-48; 6:14, 15; 18:21-35; Eph. 4:32)

? Because it is a fruit of the Spirit, self control is achievable only as we surrender to the Spirit who is already at work within us. (Gal. 5:22,23) (See 1 Cor. 9:25; Titus 1:8; 2:2; Phil.2:13)

The right to revenge: "You have heard that it was said, Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth, But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." (Matt. 5:38, 39)

The right to dignity: "Do not resist an evil person, If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him also." (Matt. 5:39b)

The right to justice: "If someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well." (Matt. 5:40b)

The right to freedom: "If someone forces you to go a mile, go with him two miles." (Matt. 5:41)

The right to control my resources: "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from youDo not store up for yourselves treasures on earthBut store up for yourselves treasures in heavenFor where you treasure is there your heart will be also." (Matt. 5:42; 6:19a., 20a, 21)

The right t hate my enemies: "You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matt. 5:43-44a)

The right to recognition: "Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. (Matt.6:1)

The right to bear a grudge: "If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matt. 6:14b, 15)

The right to judge others: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Matt. 7:1,2)

The right to anything: "Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." (Lk. 14:33b)

"The man who wants to save his life will lose it, but the man who looses it for my sake will save it." (Lk. 9:24, Philips Translation)

+Adapted from "Twelve Terms of Surrender" http://www.scruples.org/web/seminars/pssb/chapter

by an autocratic supervisor. By the grace of God we overcame the ordeal, and were able to get on with our lives.

Several months after our traumatic experience, we ran into our former supervisor and were taken back by his tart rudeness. It seems that such demeanor had become routine with those whom he deemed his inferiors. In the ensuing years he and his wife divorced, leaving her destitute. The emotional devastation on his children has become increasingly apparent as the years have passed.

Yesterday I learned he had recently been jailed (for up to six years) for a most heinous crime.

. I had mishandled a situation and was called into his office to account for my actions. His correction of my behavior however was one of gentle compassion.

Today he is in his late 80s and a delight to behold. Physically strong as an ox, with a twinkle in his eye, he ministers across the country to young adults.

:

"Those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it…"

(Job 4:8b)

"He who leads the upright along an evil path will fall into his own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance…"

(Prov. 28:10)

"He who is pregnant with evil and conceives trouble gives birth to disillusionment. He who digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit he has made. The trouble he causes recoils on himself; his violence comes down on his own head."

(Psa. 7:14-16)

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Lk. 6:38 KJV) (See Psa. 57:6; Prov. 22:8,9;26:27; Ecc. 10:8; Hos 10:12,13; Lk. 18:29, 30; Gal. 6:7,8)

Over the years, I have yet to observe anyone who has pulled it off.

: What do you think your (or my) chances are of beating the odds?

+ For further study: Absalom: 2 Sam.18:1-18; Abimelech: Judges 9; Ahithophel: 2 Sam. 16:15-23)

Well, I got mad last Saturday after coming across filth on the tube (I was looking for a golf tournament!). So, I sat down and wrote this letter to the cable people:

Edmund Burke reminded us that "the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

I hope we all are doing our part to keep the barbarians on the other side of the gate.

"In your anger do not sin" (Eph. 4:26a)

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any peopleWhen the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Pro. 14:34; Psa. 11:3)