Sometimes we really just have a very difficult time letting go of things that anger us. We find it easier to blame those we feel are responsible for our pain than to accept what happened and find a way to move our lives forward; or at least put our anger and hatred on pause.
A cursory look around our communities shows us how dangerous it can be to continue blaming others for the things we don't agree with. It's our government's fault we pay too much taxes - never mind we're the ones who vote them in every year. It's our company's fault we're not getting any raises - never mind our bad attitude is causing us to have a poor work performance. It's our school's fault our children aren't being educated - never mind we don't participate more in their upbringing.
Acts 4:5-12 gives us a look at Peter as he's obviously still going through the pain of losing his friend and teacher. No, I'm not pushing aside the fact that he's been arrested and prosecuted for crimes against the establishment. What I'm noting, strictly from the passage, is the anger and hate Peter obviously still feels towards the religious leaders of that time.
There is a saying I learned while going through management training which speaks of the best way to resolve an angry customer - "Behavior Breeds Behavior". How we act towards others will always be how they re-act to us. I just wonder if things would have come out different if Peter had found a way to forgive and show love. Maybe the divisions between Jews and Christians, or maybe Jews and the world, would never had been created. Maybe.
Now, before any of you get upset with me, I admire Peter's bravery as he stood before the church leaders. The way he looked the possibility of death in the eye and defended Jesus in front of these men is nothing short of courageous. I sometimes wish I could have half as much courage to stand up for my beliefs. It's just that a small part of my mind went in the direction of love and peace and acceptance so we have what we have.
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