Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
Select a thought to read by choosing a collection, the month, and then the day:
Ask yourself this question and be honest with yourself. Do you have it in you to be cruel when things don’t go your way? Is it in you to lash out when you are hurting, or when you are disappointed, or when you feel embarrassed?
I believe that your eternal destination will depend on the answer to that question. Think about it, and ask God to show you yourself. Ask Him to bring to your remembrance the last time someone hurt or disappointed you. Ask Him to remind you of your attitude, the way it really was in your heart; ask Him to remind you not only of the words you said, but how you said them. And ask Him for an honest heart so that you can believe the truth He shows whether it is complimentary or not. Be willing to be justified or condemned.
Is it in you to strike out at others, to try to “make them pay”, when you feel that you have been wronged? If it is in you, then you will never see the face of God unless you are delivered from that evil attitude. Do you want to be accepted by God? Then listen to what Peter said, “If when you do well, and suffer for it, you take it patiently, this is acceptable with God” (1Pet. 2:20). Jesus showed us the way, “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth; who when he was reviled, reviled not again, when he suffered, he threatened not, but committed himself to Him that judgeth righteously” (1Pet 2:22-23).
You are either going to commit yourself to God and His ways when you are suffering, or you are going to hell because you refuse to submit to God’s righteousness. If after you have been shown grace from God, it is still in your heart to do harm to anyone for any reason, you are not like Jesus and you will never see the face of God until you repent.