The fight-or-flight response and what it does to our thinking.

When you feel ganged up on, it's easy to lose control and act unbecomingly. I know. I've done it far too often.

When we're in such situations, we tend to get the same sort of fear as an animal backed into a corner. The fight-or-flight response kicks in. Catecholamine hormones, such as adrenaline or noradrenaline, perfuse the body and facilitate immediate physical reactions and vocalizations, associated with a preparation for violent, muscular action. Our digestive systems shut down, along with the parts of our brain associated with cognitive deliberation. We literally lose the ability to calmly reason.

In effect, in such situations, we truly lose our senses. It's important to quickly realize when we're getting into such a situation, and to take control by gently neutralizing or simply exiting the situation. A graceful departure is of some value, before we lose our minds and say something we regret.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit." (Pro 18:21)

What if people get angry at my Christianity?

If you love people, you are going to be attacked for speaking truth, no matter how gently you speak it.  I've seen it happen, and I've been one of the aggressors myself. In Acts 7, Stephen spoke the truth, and the reaction he immediately got from those listening was, "But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse." (57)

Ever seen that happen? People refuse to listen? They ignore what you say, maybe cover their ears in a way, and attack you? In the end they attacked Stephen and,  "having fallen to his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he died." (60)

Expect to be attacked, even by God's own people at times, if you speak the truth. But no matter how vicious, use it as a chance to show Christ's very character—one of mercy, pity, and grace. 

How do you react to different sins?

How do you react to different sins? I was talking to a friend about struggles we have. Sometimes, for example, we night not think a thing about a Christian sleeping around, or routinely getting wasted with friends, but someone gay, on the other hand, is not even worth bothering with! Blech!

God warns us against this habit, saying, "Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,  nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.  Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. " (1 Cor 6:9-11)

Do you let some sins slide because they're more acceptable to you? Or do you say, "Such were some of us?" Put the sin in the past, and help anyone get on target, no matter how they currently miss the mark! :)

When you just can't stand someone.

"Man, that stinking witch...well, God requires that I love her, but she should have her sins exposed and man I'd like to punch her face!  If only everyone else knew what I know about her!"—an internal thought from a Christian.

"Oh yeah, well you don't really serve Christ; it's all for show with you [censored], go to HELL!"—a Christian phone call gone nasty.

"Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”—Romans 13:14; God.

The above are a symptom of sickness in the lives of Christians; the symptom of a deadly disease which carries with it a host of other maladies. It is called "bitterness," expressed in Greek as being "pikros," meaning that the entire thing is cutting, sharp.  Have you ever seen that sort of response from a Christian in a relationship? Calculated, incisive, meant to cause damage...here is something better to consider:

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice."—Eph 4:31 

How to Prevent a Tsunami of Bitterness or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love.

BQ:  What should you do if you feel yourself becoming upset with someone? Proverbs 17:14 says, "The beginning of strife is like releasing water;  Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts."

Don't even let that floodgate open. Once it does, the angry words that surge out erode the walls of a good relationship, leaving lasting scars. When I feel like I'm being hurt, I go to Luke 6:28, which says, "bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." When I'm praying for the good of someone, I find that I can't get angry. If possible, I try to have them pray with me.

BQ: Have you ever had a brother or sister in Christ that you couldn't stand? That feeling isn't good, but it is a blessing because it's like a klaxon going off to warn you that your spiritual health is damaged. 1 John 2:11 explains, "But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes."

While an unkindness may cause you to feel anger in response, God tells us, "Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath." (Eph 4:26) Don't let a feeling of quick anger be anything more than that. Put a damper on it immediately, and focus on walking in the light with whoever has hurt you, so that you don't end up by yourself in the darkness.

BQ: Have you ever called someone a bad name? Told them to go to hell? The second we let that bitterness toward a person exist, God isn't even interested in us trying to follow Him in other ways—not until we fix the flaw of inner hatred.. Instead, he tells us,

"Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." (Mt 5:22-24) 

If you have a brother or sister that you're not reconciled with, don't let it ride. Give your best effort to love them. Suck up your pride and be kind. You might not win your brother, but you will have tried your hardest, and you will be able to say that Romans 12:18 applies to you. "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men."