Raising the Bar

I have no problem with not killing someone (although sometimes, I admit, I am tempted.) But at times I do have trouble not getting angry at someone. It may be because I am frustrated about something, and I take it out on someone who has nothing to do with the source of my frustration. Sometimes there is a legitimate reason for my anger, but my anger can be disproportionate to the offense. Jesus asks me to love my enemies. Sometimes I find it difficult even to love my friends, if they have done something to me I disliked. How can Jesus expect me to love my enemies? To do good to those who hurt me? If I am to be a true follower of Jesus, I have to try. I have to imitate the one who even forgave his tormentors from the cross.      

The Temptation in the Desert

Jesus was tempted by Satan in the desert. Satan began by trying to get Jesus to question who he is ("If you are the Son of God . . .)  and then  suggested what the Son  of God should be able to do.  I think I often react too quickly to people who question what I am doing and who I am helping, and how I help them.  I would like to be able to snap my fingers and solve the world's problems, or even just the problems of the people with whom I interact. Often I am impatient with God. Why does He let these problems continue? Why doesn't he act now? Sometimes I say in prayer, "If you really are God . . .", but then I remember the Scripture passage, "God's ways are not our ways, God's thoughts are not our thoughts."