To the world, being angry and acting out in anger is expected. We are disappointed and sometimes hurt, but we are not surprised when anger rears its ugly head. What is surprising is when people choose not to react in anger and instead choose understanding and kindness. This is the way that followers of Christ are called to live, and when we live this way, we stand out from the rest of the world around us and point others to Christ.
Paul calls us to let go of anger and live differently than the rest of the world in Philippians 2. In this passage of Scripture, He writes, “Do everything without complaining and arguing” (verse 14). Complaining and arguing are two characteristics that result from anger. Instead of complaining and arguing, Paul writes, “Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people” (verse 15). Do not miss the truth of this passage of Scripture: When we choose not to complain and argue out of anger, we stand out to the rest of the world. More specifically, we shine “like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” When we let go of anger, complaining, and arguing, we shine brightly in the dark world around us.
What about you? When it comes to your life, how are you responding to situations that make you angry? Are you acting out in your anger, complaining, arguing, and spewing unkind and hurtful words, or are you choosing not to act out in your anger and instead show kindness and forgiveness? If you choose to give in to anger and complain and argue, you will fit in with everyone else in the world. If you, however, choose to show kindness and forgiveness, you will stand out. Indeed, you will shine brightly to the rest of the world and point others straight to Christ.
Choose to memorize Philippians 2:14-15. After spending time memorizing this passage of Scripture, reflect on the instructions given in these verses. Write three ways you can obey this Scripture this week, and then take those steps of obedience as you go throughout your week.
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.
