I'm excited to show you a couple of great finds!😊Anger

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

An emotion if not controlled, will control us, and the emotion of anger has destroyed homes, and relationships leaving bitterness and resentment in its wake.

Have you noticed that when we fail to give a soft answer and we begin to match anger with anger, and tone with tone, it’s as if we think the one who is louder will come out the winner?

Many things can provoke us to anger – our family, our spouse, delays in our life and situations, the people we work with... and especially when someone begins to discuss politics.

However, often our anger is because ‘self’ is affected…. We want to prove we are right.

These days it seems as if some people are angry with everything and everyone.

Yet for those, who are believers in the Lord… we need to stand at the foot of the Cross and ask ourselves why we get angry with people and with situations.

The Lord endured pain… ridicule… and separation from His loved ones.

Yet, he had words of forgiveness, and even asked the Father to forgive them for they know not what they do. 

Proverbs 25:15 tells us: “With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.”

You see, A soft answer is never a sign of weakness.

So, let’s take a moment and look at what anger does…

    Anger robs us of our peace.

Anger changes the countenance of our face (Remember the Lord asked Cain why his countenance had fallen?) Our countenance is important to the Lord.

    Anger isolates us from others.

    Anger makes us snap at people and situations.

    And anger makes us difficult to live with.

We cannot and we must never give excuses for any bad behavior when we are angry.

Because the Bible does not accept any excuse.

And there is a way we can overcome anger… 

First, we need to thank God for all situations. Even when situations don’t happen the way we want them to happen.

Second, accept that people are different.

And third, never carry bitterness and anger throughout your day. But leave your anger in the control and hands of God rather than making excuses for being angry. 

We cannot change others, but as believers… “We can, do all things through Christ who strengthens us.” Philippians 4:13.

In situations when someone hurts us or provokes us to anger… use it as an opportunity to be like Christ.

This can be difficult. But we must look to the Cross… and how Jesus handled it.

We must remember that we’re not dealing with perfect people or situations, or a perfect world.

But we have God who is perfect and who will lead us and help us in these situations.

For we are called to be people that demonstrate love and forgiveness to others. 

Life Happens…

And today’s scripture is much deeper than just the words we speak to others…

We are to consider other people’s feelings and look at the consequences before we say harsh or cruel words.

We are all human and are born in sin, and we will never be perfect.

But by making an effort with a good heart and mind and by cooperating with the Holy Spirit, we will make a difference and our life and in the lives of others. 

Remember: It is not what we say, but HOW we say it.

So, let your heart and intentions reflect the Lord Jesus Christ by what you say to others.