For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.     1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 HCSB

Yesterday, as our group met to study these Scriptures we discussed dealing with unsaved people. We discussed something regarding this passage that I believe is important for all of us to understand. In this Scripture passage Paul is writing to the church at Thessalonica and encouraging them to keep up the good work.

Prior to this he wrote about how we belong to the day and described how the unsaved belong to the night or the darkness. When he says whether we are awake or asleep, it means whether we are alive or have died. No one knows when we will die or when the rapture will take place. We must be ready; we were not made to be angry and full of bitterness.

It’s important to understand what Jesus said in John 10:10, “A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

In numerous Scripture passages we are told we must remove or put away things like wrath, bitterness, anger and slander. These not only offer no benefit to us but can be harmful to our physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

We are told in 2 Timothy 3:1-6 that people will exhibit horrible behavior traits in the end times, and we are told to stay away from them. The devil will use these kinds of people, evil people, to try to steal our peace, kill our joy and destroy our witness. They can only do this if we allow them to do so. Are you allowing the devil’s minions to live rent free in your head and steal your peace, kill your joy, and destroy your witness?

Do you hold onto anger at someone who has wronged you in the past? Do you get all riled up just thinking about them? Do you slander them every chance you get? Are you still bitter over what they have done to you or someone you love?

I’ve been there, done that and got the t-shirt.

I realized the only person I was hurting was myself. Reread that and let it sink in. They have moved on to perpetrate evil on someone else. If you continue to get angry, they not only accomplished their goal but it’s like the gift that keeps on giving for them. It’s very important, however, that you understand this-they don’t care! They moved on, shouldn’t you?

They are living their best little evil life while you are stewing. The only blood pressure getting raised is yours. They are evil it’s what they do, and it doesn’t bother them in the least little bit that you are angry and bitter. It doesn’t bother them that you haven’t truly forgiven them. They don’t care.

I’m not telling you to be a door mat. If someone hurts you give it over to God and let it go. Forgive them and keep your peace as best as you can. Don’t stick around for them to do it again. Avoid them. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5 it describes all these evil behaviors and verse 6 ends by saying, “Avoid these people!”

1 Thessalonians 5:22 tells us to stay away from every kind of evil. This includes evil people. We all know people like this. Stay away.

If you are sitting around holding on to anger from past hurts and letting it anger you over and over again every time you think about it, it’s like working for the one who hurt you. It’s giving them exactly what they want. But know this, they have moved on, and they don’t care.

Don’t allow them to live rent free in your head. Evict them and remove thoughts of them by turning to God and giving it all over to Him. Ask Him to help remove any bitterness from your heart. Pray for their salvation and move on.

Have a great day!