Hot Dishes!

Have you ever had to confront a stranger in a way that leaves you wondering if you could have done without it?

I mean even when whatever it is that happened wasn’t your fault at all. You just had to react, and in your reaction, things were said that should rather have been left unsaid…

Do not be quick in spirit to be angry or vexed, for anger and vexation lodge in the bosom of fools.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 (MSG)

A few days ago, I found myself in a situation in public and the unfairness of it all was obvious to everyone present. The words and action this stranger dished out didn’t help matters, and I really just wanted to give them a piece of my mind – you know, dish it hot hot!

As much as I wanted to let them out, those words weren’t coming and I was pained.  Eventually, this person walked away with a sense of victory and I lost my bragging rights.

Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.

James 1:19 (AMP)

Imagine that I had succeeded in defending myself and dished a piece of my mind in the appropriate portion, I would have left a part of me there. And you know that as a human, people don’t offend you once in a lifetime, it happens frequently. Think about it!

That’s why you find people going about dishing out large chunks of them everywhere. As much as this is honestly being human, it robs you of your peace of mind and inner calm. So why don’t you hold on to that valuable piece of your mind? And in return you experience peace of mind.

But now put away and rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, bad feeling toward others, curses and slander, and foulmouthed abuse and shameful utterances from your lips!

Colossians 3:8 (AMP)

There’s a thin but significant difference between reacting to situations and responding to them. When you react, it’s an emotional process and this is fueled by feelings, but when you respond, it’s more of a logical process fueled by deliberate calculations.

You have the power to choose what to respond to and so I implore you to be selective about it.

For man’s anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires].

James 1:20 (AMP)

Remember that you are a royal priesthood and your place is esteemed in God’s Kingdom. Therefore, your ultimate goal is to please Him.