What Are You Thinking?
Today's Scripture
"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." - (James 1:19 NLT)
Thoughts for Today
Yesterday we discussed the energy that builds up in us when we are angry and the importance of choosing the right way to use that energy. Our mental attitude, our thoughts, largely determine our choice.
What are some of the issues that shape our thoughts? What we believe about ourselves. The threat we are facing. Our expectations of the person with whom we are angry. How we have learned to respond to anger.
Consider this . . .
Let's look at an example of the role our thoughts play in determining our response to anger. A wife is angry with her husband and yelling at him. Suddenly the phone rings. She can immediately control her expression of anger. She picks up the phone and speaks calmly and softly to the caller. Her anger at her husband is intense and is related to her expectations of him. Her response to the person on the phone is based on a different set of thoughts. She was in control<—of her thoughts and her actions.
We can control what we think and how we respond. We can control our anger and make it our servant, not our master.
Father, help me mature in my relationship with others. Help me develop a mind-set patterned after the character of Jesus rather than self-centeredness and unrealistic expectations of others. Help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from …
Anger: Our Master or Our Servant by Larry Heath. This study offers a clear explanation of anger, what causes it, and how to recognize when you are sinning with anger. It not only ministers to church members, but serves as a powerful evangelistic tool. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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