Certain names trigger strong reactions: Competitors. Politicians. Ex’s. Persons with whom we have had conflict. A name comes up in conversation or print and the hate hormones get triggered. Anger is activated. Harsh words are said. Calm emotions are replaced with rage. If we are Christians pursuing likeness to the Man who hated no one, we must think about what is happening to us on the inside when negative emotions arise just at the mention of a name. We are falling short of maturity, unconditional love, sanctification, spiritual formation and Christlikeness. Pause. Think. Take inventory. Cry out for mercy. Ask the Spirit to help you.
Father, when anything springs up in us contrary to love, may it be a signal for us to surrender something else we have not yet fully surrendered. Amen.
