Righteous Indignation

In some Christian doctrines there is only one time when anger is an appropriate reaction... Romans 12: 9 puts it like this: "9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good."

I've been thinking about this a lot lately and was thinking about creating a SHAME ON YOU list.

From the time I was a very little girl I've carried this 'righteous indignation' with me. At times, it's been a gift and at others, it's been a burden. What is 'righteous indignation'? It

is an emotion one feels when one becomes angry over perceived mistreatment, insult, or malice. An example of this would be when Jesus was in The Temple and he became angry and drove the money lenders out. I would dare say that at this time, Jesus was mad!!

A few of the things that make me have a lot of 'righteous indignation' are (may not be in any specific order):

1. People who talk down to others because of their position in life (or the one they feel they are in)
2. The mistreatment of our elderly and our children, who are too young or too old to speak for themselves.
3. When one group of people are treated one way because of who they know and others treated another way because of who they don't know.
4. In situations where being 'right' is more important than doing what is 'right'.
   
5. Watching good law abiding people work hard to stay within 'the lines' and others, who don't think the rules apply to them, get away with murder and many other things (big and small).

Paul goes on in Romans in verses 10 - 21
10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. 20On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

I so LOVE this passage!! And am so thankful that God lead me to this passage today. He has spoken again and touched my spirit.

One of the many treasures I find in this passage is "being patient in affliction". With all the pain I've been going through these past 8 months, I'm learning how to be patient when I want it over NOW!! :) All I need to do is keep my eyes on Jesus... my beautiful Jesus