My previous post deals with how Christians should be aware of and gentle with those around us who are wounded or dealing with stress or pain. We don’t want to inadvertently pile on to their suffering. This post deals with what we should do when we are the ones burdened with stress or when someone wounds us with their words or actions
Of course, the short answer is that we should pray and lay our stress, pain and hurt at God’s feet. He will give us relief, peace and healing; physically, mentally and spiritually-. It is important that we keep our relationship with God strong and healthy with daily prayer and study of His word. We must keep ourselves mentally and spiritually healthy if we want to be able to minister to the needs of those who are suffering. .Only the strongest Christians I know can minister to others while going through their own difficulties. Jesus teaches us to love our neighbor as we love our self. That kind of self-love is not selfish or egotistical; it is simply seeing yourself as God sees you – a beloved and valued member of His family.
Our proper response to the hurtful words or actions of others can prevent us from being wounded by them. The first thing you must realize is that you may not even be the real target. It is often a response to what someone else has said or done to them and their wound is bleeding on you. If they are struggling against God, their attack may not be aimed at you, but at God’s Spirit they sense within you. Don’t automatically take it personally. Then, forgive them even if it is a personal attack and even if they are non-repentant. (Jesus asked forgiveness for those who drove nails into his hands and feet.) Those steps can be great stress and pain relievers, but when the attacker is someone you love or trust, you will need God to handle it.
In this age of fear, uncertainty and panic, you can see the results of stress in the world around you. Short tempers, road rage incidents and even violent physical attacks are becoming far too common. It is more important than ever that Christians remain calm and above the fray. To paraphrase Kipling, if you can keep your head and your temper, while those around you are losing theirs and blaming you – then you are a child of God my brother or sister..