Minding Your Moods:
Passive Aggressive

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 5:33-42

Key Verse: Matthew 5:37

Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Another soft addiction that some people learn along life’s journey, is called: passive aggressive behavior.  This is the practice of saying yes, when you really mean no.  It takes the form of procrastination, as well as a kind of punishment that is indirect by withdrawing yourself from people.  We might see symptoms like sulking or leaving the house abruptly—refusing to engage in conversation.  It is another form used by unhealthy people to get their way, without open conflict.

            When we become Christ followers, God refuses to let us continue down these unhealthy pathways.  He sent Jesus to give us life and life more abundant; not more redundant!  Jesus’ death and resurrection is more powerful than these addictive behaviors that keep us chained to the old way of doing life!  Jesus taught that we should let our yes be yes and our no be no.  In other words, those that follow Him will learn the courage to say what they mean and mean what they say!  Jesus was so emphatic about this, He went on to say: “anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

            Ask God if you are guilty of any passive aggressive behavior with those around you.  This pattern may get you your way in the immediate, but hurts the relationship’s future!

Father, I open my life for your examination.  Cleanse me of any selfish patterns that are unhealthy.  Strengthen all my relationships, I pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.