Loving people in an age of rage
Anger is prevalent these days, and it’s gaining steam – if that be possible. Yes, we are living in an age of rage, where people can and do seemingly get triggered by just about anything.
According to a recent Gallup survey, 22% of respondents around the world told the organization they felt angry, a record since the question was first asked in 2006. [Source https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/may/11/all-fired-up-are-we-really-living-angrier-times.]
Differences escalate into divisions that devolve into combat between parties. As one psychologist aptly quipped, “We’ve built a world that’s extremely good at generating causes for anger, but extremely bad at giving us anything constructive to do with it.”
Amazingly, in contrast, there are actually factions of society that promote divisiveness. In the 21st Century, anger has become in part, not only an epidemic, but a cottage industry. Because some groups strive to foment rage in order to motivate and mobilize change agents for the ‘greater good’ or to facilitate their own agendas.
Enter, you and I, Ambassadors for Christ and change agents for good, change agents of God. We, the Church, a called out people, have been saved and sanctified to love others and fulfill the Lord’s Great Commission mandate.
As witnesses for Jesus Christ, we are instructed to fight the good fight of faith, shining the light of Christ and proclaiming the gospel message, to the end that others can be saved and the name of Jesus exalted.
To add, our message, the gospel, is becoming increasingly unpopular and polarizing to our culture. Yes, the name above all names, Jesus, is a massive trigger to some and at the same time, He’s the only hope for mankind.
In light of these realities, how do we effectively engage such a formidable task as the Great Commission amidst such a challenging cultural environment?
We walk in love in the power of the Holy Spirit!
The Apostle Paul’s encouragement and instruction in Romans 12 is also packed with inspiration. In fact, it may be, among other helpful passages in God’s Word, a Christian manifesto in an age of rage:
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. – Romans 12:9-21
Therefore, brethren, abide in Christ. Walk in the Spirit. Demonstrate God’s love. And proclaim God’s love found in the gospel of our Lord Jesus. Amen.
Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. – Psalm 143:8