The Temptation to Harbor Negative Thoughts About Others

Have you ever encountered individuals who consistently bring drama with them?

For the entire month of August Powerzone ministries will be diving deep into the topic of temptation. What exactly is temptation? We'll be exploring what it means and what the Bible has to say about it all Month long!

"Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath" (Ephesians 4:26).

August 29, 2023 By Dr. George Bing

Today's Daily Devotional will focus on the temptation to harbor negative thoughts about others. Have you ever encountered individuals who consistently bring drama with them? It's interesting how some people claim to dislike drama, yet they often seem to be the ones who attract it. I find it important to address the root of the problem, as the fruit is likely corrupted because of it. In my belief, when people hold bitterness in their hearts, they tend to act bitterly towards others.

It's similar to what I refer to as "spiritual road rage," which is like the manifestation of road rage in a person's character. Road rage is often the result of unresolved issues or experiences that have shaped a person's behavior before they even get behind the wheel. The anger, bitterness, resentfulness, and unforgiveness within them now manifest themselves in their actions on the road. Innocent individuals just trying to reach their destinations become the recipients of this anger and bitterness. This is the fruit, but the root lies in what happened to the person before they started raging while driving. The Bible advises us, "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath" (Ephesians 4:26).

Anger is a natural emotion that the Lord has given us, and it is appropriate to feel righteous indignation when witnessing an injustice. It is understandable to feel anger when an innocent child or anyone else is harmed or violated. When our trust has been betrayed, it is natural to feel disappointment and hurt. The Apostle Paul's message in this passage is to encourage us not to react in a way that seeks personal retaliation.

Some individuals indeed hold onto past grievances for many years, allowing stubbornness and unforgiveness to take root within them. However, we must let go of these feelings and surrender them to Jesus. We should trust Him to heal any brokenness within us, and if there is a need for correction, He will address it in His own timing and manner. As the Bible says, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). What are your thoughts?