ANGER AND PROCESS

The speaker was tiptoeing through a most sensitive subject – that of rape and sexual abuse. His words were full of insight, until the end, when he invited victims of abuse to ‘Come forward for prayer, and get rid of your anger today, here, right now.’

Is God able to do an instant miracle, setting someone free in a moment from the justifiable rage that usually follows terrible abuse? Certainly, He can. But generally, recovery will come through an extended journey rather than an instant crisis episode. Elizabeth O’Connor pointed out: ‘Despite a hundred sermons on forgiveness, we do not forgive easily, nor do we find ourselves easily forgiven. Forgiveness is always harder than the sermons make it out to be.’ 12

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Jonah 4:4

Colossians 3:1-17

As Jonah insisted that he is in the right to be outraged, perhaps he was goading God, looking for a lightning bolt to cremate him for what looks like blasphemous rebellion. No fire falls, but instead a whispered question comes to Jonah’s turbulent heart. All that follows in the next few verses is God’s attempt to gently lead Jonah out of the cul-de-sac of his anger. Let’s celebrate the wonder that God is so very patient with us all. With tender questioning, the Lord was inviting Jonah to explore the source of his rage.

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But the Lord replied, ‘Do you have any right to be angry?’

Jonah 4:4

And let’s be careful not to insist that the bruises of the abused clear up too quickly, lest we do them further damage. The journey towards forgiving may take some time, but it will lead to an authentic act rather than a premature prayer.

Prayer: When I need to forgive, help me to navigate that difficult journey, loving Father. Amen.

WED 20 SEPT

A minister friend reports the church that he leads has opened a fantastic new resource to serve the community, and build an amazing bridge to the unchurched. Locals in the area have welcomed the new project with open arms. There has been some hostile opposition, however – from some of the folk in the church. They have not been this way before – and they don’t like it.