Frustration Is Inevitable
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. (James 4:1-2)
As we read this Scripture passage, we should note the audience for James’ letter. James was writing to believers. His letter is considered a general epistle, and is therefore a general letter to the church. He is addressing believers as he talks about fighting, quarreling, discontentment, and frustration.
From the moment you give your life to Christ, many people think everything ought to be great from that point forward. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if those people were right? Think about how great it would be if from the moment you prayed to receive Jesus and He began to indwell you, that you never had a cross word or a negative thing to say about anyone. Your husband loved you. Your wife respected you. Your kids obeyed you. Everyone got along and everything was great. However, life doesn’t go that way, does it?
Becoming a follower of Jesus does not mean you will never experience frustration and confrontation ever again. In reality, the opposite is true. Because we are followers of Christ, the good news is that we have an example to follow when handling frustration and conflict. James breaks down part of that example later in Chapter 4 when he recalls a couple of verses from Proverbs. He says, That is why Scripture says, “God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble,” (James 4:6)
James was pointing out to the church then and to us now that humility is one of the best ways to combat frustration and confrontation. Having a humble posture will please and honor the Lord, and it will put us in a position to better navigate the tougher circumstances and conversations we may face.
The next time you feel frustrated, or get into an argument with another person, put off your pride and instead put on humility. In doing so, you will honor and respect the other person, and the Lord will honor you for your obedience.
As we read this Scripture passage, we should note the audience for James’ letter. James was writing to believers. His letter is considered a general epistle, and is therefore a general letter to the church. He is addressing believers as he talks about fighting, quarreling, discontentment, and frustration.
From the moment you give your life to Christ, many people think everything ought to be great from that point forward. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if those people were right? Think about how great it would be if from the moment you prayed to receive Jesus and He began to indwell you, that you never had a cross word or a negative thing to say about anyone. Your husband loved you. Your wife respected you. Your kids obeyed you. Everyone got along and everything was great. However, life doesn’t go that way, does it?
Becoming a follower of Jesus does not mean you will never experience frustration and confrontation ever again. In reality, the opposite is true. Because we are followers of Christ, the good news is that we have an example to follow when handling frustration and conflict. James breaks down part of that example later in Chapter 4 when he recalls a couple of verses from Proverbs. He says, That is why Scripture says, “God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble,” (James 4:6)
James was pointing out to the church then and to us now that humility is one of the best ways to combat frustration and confrontation. Having a humble posture will please and honor the Lord, and it will put us in a position to better navigate the tougher circumstances and conversations we may face.
The next time you feel frustrated, or get into an argument with another person, put off your pride and instead put on humility. In doing so, you will honor and respect the other person, and the Lord will honor you for your obedience.
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4 Comments
I find this to be true… an invitation to an argument does not have to be accepted
Yes, arguments only cause more problems. I will humble myself and listen to God before I speak or act on any situation.
Loose Lips 😥 Help me FATHER know when to be still . One of the biggest sins I ever committed was with My Mouth . I PRAISE You Lord for your patience with me. Love You JESUS !
This is my sermon for the day