Is Your Anger in Control: Choose Your Response - Living Free - September 13
Is Your Anger in Control: Choose Your Response
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Yesterday we looked at those of us who tend to hold our anger in, sometimes allowing bitterness and resentment to build. On the other hand, some of us have more of a tendency to immediately vent our anger This response could be described as "blowing up" or being "hot under the collar."
The Bible teaches that open hostility, retaliation, and any aggressive expression of anger are not acceptable behaviors. "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips" (Colossians 3:8 NIV).
Aggression that explodes in thoughtless anger can hurt others and it can hurt us.
Consider this …
One step in learning to manage your anger is to describe your feelings. For example, "I am irritated. I am furious." Take time to think through and determine the best thing to say or do in responses to the angry feelings. Pray about it. Think about what caused your anger. Learn to give a "gentle answer."
With God's help, carefully choose the proper words and actions to bring some closure and resolution to the issue. Develop a list of responses that work for you and for the best of other people. It is at this level that anger becomes your servant and can be productive.
Prayer
Father, teach me to respond to people with a gentle answer, rather than harsh words and actions. Teach me wisdom and patience and help me to respond in love and forgiveness.
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
