“The removal of pride and anger requires submission to God’s work of healing love.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 8, 2024
Naaman came with his horses and chariot and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent him the message: “Go and wash seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will heal, and you will be clean.” But Naaman went away angry. But his servants came up and reasoned with him: “My father, if the prophet told you to do something extraordinary, would you not do it?” So Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God. His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. 2 Kings 5:9-11, 13, 14
Pride and anger tend to travel together; pride holds the driver’s side wheel of control, with anger sitting anxiously on the passenger side. With the illusion of control, pride imagines that people and situations should help him reach his pre-determined goals, and any obstacles become objects of his angry outbursts. So, you may find yourself feeling another’s anger if your questions or concerns seem to slow down his desires. Or, your need to be respected and loved triggers another’s angst because his own need to be loved and respected dismisses your needs. If ignored, angry pride creates relational resentment and bitterness, moving people further apart. But by putting humility in the driver’s seat, love is able to ride obediently as a healthy passenger.
Scripture beautifully scripts a story that moves a leader’s angry pride to the healing effect of humble obedience. Naaman was a man whose position encouraged pride and control. As a leader of leaders, he was not used to taking orders from someone else. Yet, the man of God, through the proxy of a messenger, instructed Naaman to do a humble task that would strip him of being able to take credit for the divine outcomes. The process seemed too simple. Uninspiring. Yet, because of his physical pain inflicted by leprosy and at the urging of his servants, he was eventually convinced to follow Elisha’s advice and his employees’ prods. His heart was first humbled as a little child so his body could be healed and cleansed like a little child. Humility brings healing.
“Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16).
By God’s grace, be intentional to confess your battle with pride and anger. Learn from Naaman, listen to godly counsel by surrendering yourself through humble obedience and trusting God for the outcomes. The removal of pride and anger requires submission to God’s work of healing love. Humility emerges as the antidote to pride. Proverbs 11:2 states, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” By acknowledging your dependence on God and recognizing the intrinsic value of others, you pave the way for humility to replace pride.
Moreover, a wise journey through life involves a surrender of anger to divine guidance. Ephesians 4:26-27 counsels, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Through prayer, reflection, and seeking reconciliation, you can release anger’s grip, inviting God’s peace into your heart. Also, the cultivation of love serves as a powerful remedy. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 teaches that love is patient and not easily angered. By nurturing a heart of love grounded in the example of Christ, you can displace anger with compassion and understanding. Listen to what the Lord is saying through other humble hearts and follow their advice. Humble yourself like a child and be healed to love like a child without pretense or pride. Angry pride melts away in the presence of humble love.
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind” (1 Peter 3:8).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I surrender to your loving forgiveness to free me from pride and anger so I can be healed to love others well through Christ’s love, and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What is the Lord asking you to do through the advice of others that requires you to humble yourself and trust God with the outcomes? Do it quickly.
Related Reading
Psalm 37:8-9; Proverbs 8:13, 29:23; Ephesians 4:26, 32, 6:4
Spurgeon sermon – A Serious Reprimand
Worship Resource
Elevation Worship feat. Chris Brown: Another One
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