Is Your Anger in Control: Why Are We Angry? - Living Free - September 11
Is Your Anger in Control: Why Are We Angry?
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.
Proverbs 19:11 NLT
Thoughts for Today
What causes anger? The answer could be "nothing." We might think that a rude driver or unfair criticism or a friend's betrayal angers us, but the anger is actually our own doing. It's our response that creates the anger.
Many factors can stimulate anger. Behavior we learned in childhood, a stressful work environment, poor health, or medicines we take can cause our temper to flare more easily—but only if we allow them to.
Consider this …
When someone insults us or treats us badly, we can choose how to respond. If we have feelings of anger, we can choose how to express that anger. God has given us free will to control our feelings, thoughts, and actions. Will we choose unkind words or finding a way to "get even"—or will we overlook and forgive? It's our choice. No matter what our background or the current circumstances, we are responsible for our own behavior.
None of us express our feelings appropriately all the time. But the Bible tells us, "For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need."
(Philippians 4:13 NLT)
Jesus can help us make anger our servant instead of our master.
Prayer
Father, when I am wronged in some way, help me choose the right response—the one that is pleasing to you. Teach me to overlook and forgive. In Jesus' name …
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©Living Free 2020. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to info@LivingFree.org
