Being Christ-Like When Frustrated

[msmg]

I’m quite a passive person and tend to let everyone get away with almost anything… I’m at the point now where I am seeing a counselor just to clear up the mess that I’ve allowed myself to become (along with going to Mass and Faith Sharing and RCIA)…

However, certain things are just bothering me and they are quite trivial… For instance, I am really annoyed that my roomate is always hogging my TV when my video phone should be staying on… even if I’m not using it. I don’t want to be rude but I need to keep it on since I’m partially deaf. And I really don’t want to be unfair.

Situations like these really frustrate me… as well as the fact that some personalities just itch me the wrong way and I’m sure mine does the same to others. But I’m also at the point where I love people but just want to be an acquaintance and not friends…

What do you do in situations like these and still remain Christ-like?

 

[Magicsilence]

Any frustration I suffer is usually down to a lack of justice, which normally stems from people ‘just not caring about others’.

In these situations, what did Christ do?

Well, he washed the feet of Judas knowing he was to betray him.

He made Peter the rock of the Church knowing he was to deny him.

He cured the 10 lepers knowing only one would give thanks.

He fed the 5000 knowing that many would be his crucifiers.

He died for us, knowing many would continue to mock and spit on him through centuries to come.

So, when I suffer frustration I consider that, although I have a right to be frustrated, I have to calm that frustration.

I remember that Christ was not always treated fairly, but he always did so to others, and therefore so should I.

Not being able to see, or influence justice (that stems from knowing the truth) is tough. But, as Christ showed us by dying on the cross, we cannot influence the world by reacting as Satan wants us to react (anger, imposition, revenge), but by blessing those who irritate us, helping those who hurt us, and controlling our tongue and suffering patiently when injustice hits us.

At the same time, Christ was not a lamb lead to the slaughter, he scattered the money changers, and delivered a message to the people that caused them to want to kill him.

Being passive is not necessarily being Christian. Whenever your faith is questioned, you have to shout out the answer. When Paul was imprisoned he demanded his rights as a Roman citizen.

Even when Christ was slapped on the cheek, he asked the man WHY he had hit him.

So, you can suffer injustice up to a point (rude room mate, selfish actions) but remember that your existence as a human being has some meaning, and that you have the right to ask your roommate to give you time with the video phone should you need it that second or just on standby.

It is definitely NOT Christian to sit in a corner and have no influence on everything around you, even if it be in regard to mundane things of life. Have courage, God is on your side!!!

God Bless!

 

[Ruthie]

I agree with Magic.

You are not being unreasonably frustrated with your roommate. Your videophone is your telephone.

Pray for charity, then gently ask your roommate if she would like it if you were frequently using her phone when she needed it. Then ask her to get her own TV.

Happy “Talk Like A Pirate Day!”

Arrr, you… t’ h***…ai-eee!
(R U T H I E)