S) "11 Thus says the Lord,
'For three transgressions of Edom and for four
I will not revoke its punishment,
Because he pursued his brother with the sword,
While he stifled his compassion;
His anger also tore continually,
And he maintained his fury forever.'"
Amos 1:11 (NASB)
O) Amos had a lot of foreboding words for various, historical enemies of God's people. What really stood out here, though, was "he stifled his compassion;" and, "he maintained his fury." As people, we are prone to emotions that steer us awry. Complicating things, satan will seize those opportunities to smother whatever warmth might have survived our own stifling, and he'll stoke the embers of dwindling anger, fanning them back up into flames of fury.
A) This considerable warning makes me very thankful, knowing that I was guilty of these dames sins of Edom. When I wandered from God, I was in a process of callousing that was stifling compassion, and maintaining fury toward most people. It really is only by the grace of God, that my heart was again softened. And so, I am careful to choose compassion, and deliberate in extinguishing anger.
P) Father, thank You so much for the mercy and grace You gave me. Continually keep my heart soft, and reveal to me any seeds of anger or bitterness, so that, through You, I can expel them. Thank You for the unending work You do in my heart. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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