“From a medical perspective, hate is a heavy burden, creating chronic overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. . . . But the worst damage is to peace of mind. It’s impossible to hate and be happy at the same time. . . . The important thing is to just get hate out of your heart.”- Dr. Dan Baker, What Happy People Know
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends.”- Philippians 4:1 (NIV)
In Principle #16: Seek Reconciliation in Your Relationships of The Joy Challenge, Randy Frazee counsels that hate serves as a joy robber for you. And for everyone in striking distance of your melodrama.
Most significantly, in Philippians 4:3 Paul reminds us that our names are written in the book of life. The register of God’s covenant people. So, Randy posits, Paul added this to remind us of two things:
- God’s forgiven us of every sin we’ve ever committed and grants us access to His kingdom forever. Certainly, then, we can forgive one another for this one struggle.
- Since we’ll spend eternity with them, it’s imperative that we start learning to get along.
Therefore, Randy encourages:
“Having healthy relationships where we are at peace with one another is perhaps more vital to our joy quotient than we know. As I’ve said before, peace and joy are cousins. One comes o ut of the other. . . . I have found humility to be the virtue that most helps me keep peace in my relationships and most helps me in the reconciliation process.”
In conclusion, Randy tells the story of Alvin Straight. An elderly World War II vet, Alvin embarked on a most unusual journey to reconcile with his estranged brother Lyle. Afte Alvin heard that Lyle had suffered a stroke, he made up his mind to visit Lyle. To make amends before his brother died.
So, Alvin hitched a trailer to his very old John Deere tractor and made the 240-mile trip to see Lyle. Six weeks at five miles per hour! And he sat with Lyle and looked at the stars.
Today’s question: What Bible verses help lift a heavy burden of hate? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The stranglehold of worry”