Dealing with Anger
“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” Proverbs 14:29
To be angry is natural. It’s an emotion and you’re an emotional being. You’re going to get angry. Why is this? Because you live in a world filled with people and people can be rude, impatient, demanding, inconsiderate, ungrateful, and ungodly. Whether on a busy road, at work, in line at the local store, or even home with family, your patience will be tested. Those you interact with might anger you and tempt you to act upon that wrath. How you deal with anger is important.
Slow down. Pause. Stop and think things through before making any decisions. Some encourage people to count to ten or even one hundred when angry in an attempt to ward off hasty words and regretful decisions. That’s not a bad idea and it may work for you. Another thought, how about praying during that time of counting. Pray for the one that has angered you as well as your response. Ask God for help in the matter, so you don’t create bigger problems. The point, don’t react in the flesh but respond under the direction of the Spirit.
If you follow this advice, you’ll come across as a person of good understanding. One who is able to control their emotions. This display of self-control will be an encouragement and blessing to others. You will also avoid the consequences of unjust anger; hurting lives while dishonoring the LORD.
When angry be careful of having a hasty spirit. Don’t make emotional decisions in a hurry. Nothing good comes from this. Problems are not solved, only escalated. A hasty spirit will make things worse off than before, leaving you with regret and plenty of apologies to make. If you permit anger to control your life, you’ll come across as careless, conceited, selfish, and weak. You’ll likely produce more problems than solutions, which is foolish.
Slow down when angry, seek God’s help, choose your words wisely, and do right.
It’s been said that everyone is either a master or servant of their anger. Which one are you? The choice is yours, either control your anger or be controlled by it. With God’s help you can be slow to wrath.
Thanks for reading…
Pastor Ramirez