God may be merciful. But God will not be mocked.

Before I left for the men's Bible study, there was a notification that came up on our ChurchNow fan page on Facebook that was disturbing. A man from Europe (Romania if I’m not mistaken) was posting comments that were abusive. He was using curse words and just trolling his way on the page. My heart and mind was disturbed by it, it brought back memories of being pushed and shoved until I snapped which ended up with fists hurling and screams. I was so tempted to reply but I did not since I did not want to bring out the wrong message. Good thing Stef (you’ve seen her on several pictures on some of my posts) replied and did the appropriate actions (such as report abuse/screenshots) that ended this attack. Then I prayed.

It is common sense that no one wants to be hurt. What I don’t understand is why there are people who just want to attack. Maybe they’ve been hurt before (and they just need a hug or need to be loved) or they just want some attention. Or whatever! However, I also remembered Matthew 5:38-42

 ^38-42"Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.

The verses above was what I was thinking of after reading the comments. I still have another cheek for slapping. I will stand and take it. But sometimes when struck there comes shell shock.

On the way to Bible study, I had a conversation in my mind with God on what just happened. Our page isn’t disturbing. There are no crazy posts. What did we do to get that man crazy? Other questions on my reaction also came up. What if I did not control myself and lashed back? Anyway, we were the ones being abused; it would give us every right. Then I remembered: didn’t I pray earlier in the day to be an instrument of peace? Didn’t I pray that we get some noise out so everyone may know that our God is God? Isn’t it a great idea that those who don’t know God actually get to see Him through us?

After the Bible study, which is also another story to tell but for another time, I shared to the group that our page was attacked and Pastor Erick said in his fatherly firm voice that it’s a good sign. People are noticing. Stef also mentioned it. I did think of that too but the emotions that I had were boiling inside wanting to let my inner Hyde come out. I don't like being abused. I don't like being disrespected. I don't like people don't take into consideration what they say. Well, who doesn't?

What struck me as I read the Bible since I needed to still my heart came from Matthew 9:10-13. The verses below are from the Message version:

^10-11Later when Jesus was eating supper at Matthew's house with his close followers, a lot of disreputable characters came and joined them. When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus' followers. "What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riffraff?"
 ^12-13Jesus, overhearing, shot back, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: 'I'm after mercy, not religion.' I'm here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders." 

Jesus hanged out with sinners. He did not act like them, but he joined them. And people were attracted to Him because He was doing what was right. He did not curse at them nor tell them what to do. He was kind and open towards them.

Maybe the man who attacked us didn’t know any better. Maybe he just wanted some attention. Maybe he just wanted to air out his frustrations on what he cannot accept or did not understand. Maybe we’ll never know why he did it or what his intentions were.

I did pray though that God will be merciful on the man and that he be healed of whatever struggles he may be fighting inside. And that whatever transpired would be an avenue that would lead him to Christ.

I pray that aside from just standing firm, I also watch my emotions during times of trials and that I learn more of the scripture that will gear me better on standing on the truth which is from the Bible.

I just love how Stef said the right words on the attack.

 

“God may be merciful. But God will not be mocked.”

Stand firm on what you believe in, respect one another, and do unto others as you wish others to do unto you. God bless and Happy, um, Friday? or Saturday? :)