We are Called to be Overcomers

I think one of the most frustrating things for me is being in relationship with imperfect Christians. Don't ask me why I think they should be perfect, I certainly am not. But something in me screams when I am slighted or hurt by another Christian.

Example: We are dealing with a very difficult Christian in the midst of our project development (I'll call her Jill) and every time I talk with her, I can barely contain the frustration and anger that surges within and throughout me.

Last night I had to spend some time talking to God about Jill. I started by whining quite a bit, justifying my anger and frustration and listing the incidences where I felt slighted. At that point I didn't feel any peace so I turned to the Word. Interesting how God knows exactly what we need at exactly the right moment. A passage in Acts 4:32-33 says,"Now the multitudes of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common..." I know this didn't specifically address my issues with Jill, but of course the Word is living and active and went right to my heart.

What I sensed at that point was that I had no grace, mercy or love for Jill. I only want her to suffer and be judged for her failings. As soon as I thought that, the Holy Spirit whispered the scripture from Luke 6:37-38 (I didn't know where it was so I looked it up, I just had Karen's version of it): Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Wow! Immediately I realized that even if I don't care about Jill, I certainly care about me and mine. (Sorry Lord, I have to be totally honest here!). If I dwell in anger at another person and judge or condemn them and not forgive them, I am going to suffer the consequences of that decision.

While I was talking to my husband about my thoughts, he said to me that Jill is accountable to God alone for her actions. I knew right away that he was right, even though I know there may be times when we have to hold others accountable for things. This really helped me to realize that she would be judged by God for her actions and that ultimately I needed to pray for her that she would see her sin and repent so that she would not have to be judged. (I go in and out of willingness to do this!)

As I wrestled with God over this whole thing, I heard the word "Overcomer". I had a sudden understanding that an overcomer overcomes the desire to wound back, to hate and to dwell in anger. Every time we choose forgiveness over hatred, every time we choose blessing over cursing, every time we choose God's ways over the devil's schemes, Jesus' Kingdom comes into that situation. That is one of the ways that His Kingdom comes, through our minute by minute choices. And as we make those choices, we become overcomers. We are called to desire the Kingdom of God to advance in the earth and so of course He gives us opportunities to choose blessing over cursing. And of course, God's abundantly compassionate heart makes sure that we too are blessed with our Godly decisions as He then pours a good measure into our laps. So, in the end, everyone benefits! Wow, God, You continue to amaze me more and more each day!

By the way, I felt much more peaceful after this time of ministry from the Lord. Thank you Father, for allowing us to come into contact with hard people so that Your Kingdom can come in our lives and theirs.