The world is an angry place these days, so it’s easy to get mad and stay mad. But as believers, we have a responsibility to be different and “shine our light before others.” Jesus called His followers the light of the world and the salt of the earth. You have the power to change the world around you by shining your light and showing what it means to be a Christian.

God understands this is hard. He sees what is happening and mourns with you when you suffer. Letting go of anger doesn’t mean you have to be okay with what someone has done to you or be best friends with them, but it does mean doing no more harm. It means not lashing out or getting revenge, so the other person is hurt too. It also means not hurting yourself more by holding onto it. God told the Israelites that for His sake, He remembered their sins no more. Holding onto the memories of what someone has done to you makes the hurt last longer. God loves you and doesn’t want that for you.

WWJD: What Would Jesus Do? It’s true that Jesus got angry, but He got upset over injustice and the lack of compassion in the world, not at the individuals themselves. He loved us and had compassion when people fell to human weakness. When His friend Judas turned Him over to die on a cross for 30 pieces of silver, Jesus was not angry – He mourned. We can’t imagine being that forgiving, but there’s a saying: “hurt people, hurt people.” We’ve all been hurt by cruel things in life, so God wants us to consider that, and let go of our anger out of mercy and compassion.

There is nothing that God has given you that can be taken away by another human; nothing that God can’t restore for you. You are His beloved child. Believe in the promises He made to you, follow His teachings, and you will fast-track your peace and all the good things He has planned for you.

Below are verses right out of the Bible to show you His promise of fighting your battles, and verses of Jesus teaching us to love one another. Pick out one or two (or more) that stand out to you and meditate on them; think about them over and over, and God will help you find peace and strength.

And always remember, God loves you and I do too!